Travoprost Ophthalmic

Travoprost is used to treat eye conditions, including glaucoma and ocular hypertension, in which increased pressure can lead to a gradual loss of vision. Travoprost is used for patients who cannot use other eye medications for their condition or whose eye condition has not responded to another medication. Travoprost is in a class of medications called prostanoid agonists. It lowers pressure in the eye by increasing the flow of natural eye fluids out of the eye.

Ophthalmic travoprost comes as a solution (liquid) to instill in the eye. It is usually instilled in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening. To help you remember to use travoprost, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use travoprost exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Travoprost controls glaucoma and ocular hypertension but does not cure them. Continue to use travoprost even if you feel well. Do not stop using travoprost without talking to your doctor.

To instill the eye drops, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

2. Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.

3. Avoid touching the dropper tip against your eye or anything else; eye drops and droppers must be kept clean.

4. While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.

5. Hold the dropper (tip down) with the other hand, as close to the eye as possible without touching it.

6. Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.

7. While looking up, gently squeeze the dropper so that a single drop falls into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.

8. Close your eye for 2 to 3 minutes and tip your head down as though looking at the floor. Try not to blink or squeeze your eyelids.

9. Place a finger on the tear duct and apply gentle pressure.

10. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a tissue.

11. If you are to use more than one drop in the same eye, wait at least 5 minutes before instilling the next drop.

12. Replace and tighten the cap on the dropper bottle. Do not wipe or rinse the dropper tip.

13. Wash your hands to remove any medication.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using travoprost eye drops,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to travoprost, benzalkonium chloride, or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
• if you are using another topical eye medication, instill it at least 5 minutes before or after you instill travoprost eye drops.
• tell your doctor if you have inflammation (swelling) of the eye or a torn or missing lens and if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using travoprost, call your doctor immediately.
• you should know that pregnant women should avoid touching travoprost solution. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with the contents of the travoprost bottle, she should immediately wash the exposed area with soap and water.
• you should know that travoprost eye drops contain benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling travoprost and put them back in 15 minutes later.
• if you have an eye injury, infection, or surgery while using travoprost eye drops, ask your doctor if you should continue using the same eye drops container.

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Travoprost may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• eye pain or irritation

• blurred vision

• dry eyes

• eye tearing

• headache

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• sensitivity to light

• abnormal vision

• pink eye

• redness or swelling of the eyelid

Travoprost eye drops may change the color of your eye (to brown) and darken the skin around the eye. It may also cause your eyelashes to grow longer and thicker and darken in color. These changes usually occur slowly, but they may be permanent. If you use travoprost eye drops in only one eye, you should know that there may be a difference between your eyes after using travoprost eye drops. Call your doctor if you notice these changes.

Travoprost may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Last Revised - 01/01/2012