GENERIC NAME: BIMATOPROST - OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION (bi-MAT-oh-prost)
BRAND NAME(S): Lumigan
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat glaucoma, or other conditions which also cause high pressure within the eye. Bimatoprost is used after other medicines either caused very bothersome side effects, or did not fully work to lower the pressure within your eye(s). Controlling glaucoma can help prevent blindness.
HOW TO USE: Wash your hands before applying eye drops. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Bimatoprost contains a preservative that may stain contact lenses. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using your eye drops. The lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes after your eye medications are used. Tilt your head back, gaze upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over the eye and instill the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of the eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining away from the eye. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least five minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments, to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Generally, you place one drop of bimatoprost in the affected eye(s) once daily, in the evening, or as directed. Use of this medicine more often than once a day may decrease its effectiveness. Continue using it for the full time prescribed. If any other eye conditions develop (e.g., infection, injury, surgery), consult your eye doctor regarding continued use of your current bottle of bimatoprost. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.
SIDE EFFECTS: Eye dryness, stinging, or sensitivity to light may occur. If these eye effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects: eye or eyelid redness/itching/swelling/pain. Tell your doctor immediately if you have this unlikely but serious side effect: vision changes. Bimatoprost may slowly cause permanent darkening of the eye (iris), eyelid, and eyelashes. Growth of the eyelashes may also occur. Consult your doctor for more details. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Glaucoma - Get information about glaucoma and its symptoms, signs, and causes. Learn about treatment, prevention, and research on the leading cause of blindness.
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