Bimatoprost is used to treat high pressure inside the
eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye diseases (such as ocular
hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye can help prevent
blindness. This medication works by regulating the flow of fluid within the
eye to maintain a normal pressure.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using bimatoprost and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually once a day in the evening. Do not use bimatoprost
more often because it will not work as well.
To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before
using your eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after each dose before
putting your lenses back in.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the
lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and
place one drop into the pouch. Look downward and gently close your eyes for
1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose)
and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining
out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. Repeat these steps for your
other eye if so directed.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after
each use, and keep the cap tightly closed.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to
enter the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Keep using
bimatoprost even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high
pressure in the eye do not have symptoms.
Burning/stinging/irritation/redness of the eye, feeling
as if something is in your eye, dry eyes, watering eyes, and increased
sensitivity to light may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse,
tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This medication may slowly (over months to years) cause
brown discoloration of the colored portion of the eye (iris). If you are
using bimatoprost in only one eye, only that iris may change color. An
increase in eyelash number/length/thickness, darkening of the
eyelashes/eyelids, or eyelid changes may also occur in the treated eye.
These changes may be permanent, but the long-term effects are uncertain.
Notify your doctor if this occurs, and schedule regular eye exams to
monitor it.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- vision changes
- eye pain/swelling
- swelling/redness of the eyelids
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using bimatoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as latanoprost,
travoprost); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride or
silver), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- eye problems (such as macular edema, iritis, uveitis, lens
extraction/aphakia)
If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye
surgery, check with your doctor about the continued use of your current
bottle of bimatoprost. You may be advised to start using a new
bottle.
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred or unstable. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs clear vision until you can do it
safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- eyelash treatment (such as topically applied
bimatoprost)
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams) should be
done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.