Bimatoprost (Into the eye)

Introduction:

Bimatoprost (bye-MAT-oh-prost)

The eyedrop reduces pressure inside the eye that is caused by glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The eyelash solution is used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker, and darker.

Brand Name(s):

Lumigan, Latisse

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• To use eye drop (Lumigan®):
  • Remove contact lenses before using this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting the contact lenses back in.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket. Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye. Recap the bottle immediately after use.
• To use eyelash solution (Latisse?):
  • Make sure your face is clean. Remove your eye make-up and contact lenses before using this medicine. Place one drop of the solution on the disposable sterile applicator and apply it evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes. Remove any excess solution around the eyes with a tissue or an absorbent cloth. Repeat for the other upper eyelid using a new applicator. Do not apply this medicine on the lower eyelashes. Dispose of the applicator after each use.
• This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use other eye drops within 5 minutes before or 5 minutes after putting bimatoprost drops in your eyes.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, an eye infection, lens problems, or other eye problems. Also, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or a history of eye pressure problems.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• This medicine may make your eyes or eyelids permanently darker. These changes happen slowly, so you may not notice them for months or even years. If you are using this medicine in only one eye, only that eye will change. Tell your doctor if you notice any of these changes.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Changes in vision.
• Discharge from the eye.
• Redness, pain, itching, or swelling of the eye or eyelid.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Darkening of the skin.
• Dry eyes.
• Headache.
• Mild eye discomfort or feeling that something is in your eye.
• Mild itching, burning, or redness of the eye.
• Sensitivity to bright light.
• Stuffy nose or sneezing.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: