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GENERIC NAME: TRAVOPROST - OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION (TRA-voh-prost)

BRAND NAME(S): Travatan

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Travoprost is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye diseases (e.g., 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.

HOW TO USE: Apply this medication in the affected eye(s) usually once a day in the evening, or as directed by your doctor. Do not use travoprost 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. Remove contact lenses before using this medication because it contains a preservative that can be absorbed by them. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication 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 it. 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. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. 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 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue using travoprost even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eye do not have symptoms.

SIDE EFFECTS: Blurred vision, eye redness/discomfort/itching, feeling as if something is in your eye, dry eyes, tearing, eyelid crusting, increase in eyelash number/length/thickness, darkening color of the eyelashes and eyelids, dizziness, or increased sensitivity to light may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify 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 travoprost in only one eye, only that iris may change color. This color change 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 your doctor has prescribed this medication because 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes, eye pain, swelling/redness of the eyelids, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression), chest pain, slow heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. 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.


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travoprost-ophthalmic solution, Travatan

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the major nerve of vision, called the optic nerve. The optic nerve receives light from the retina and transmits impulses to the brain that we perceive as vision. Glaucoma is characterized by a particular pattern of progressive damage to the optic nerve that generally begins with a subtle loss of side vision (peripheral vision). If glaucoma is not diagnosed and treated, it can progress to loss of central vision and blindness.

Glaucoma is usually, but not always, associated with elevated pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure). Generally, it is this elevated eye pressure that leads to damage of the eye (optic) nerve. In some cases, glaucoma may occur in the presence of normal eye pressure. This form of glaucoma is believed to be caused by poor regulation of blood flow to the optic nerve.

How common is glaucoma?

Worldwide, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness....

Read the Glaucoma article »



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