Description
Lumigan® eye drops are manufactured by Allergan.
The active ingredient of the medication is Bimatoprost – a topical prostaglandin-like analogue belonging to a drug class called prostamides.
Indications:
- elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in people with primary open-angle glaucoma (also known as chronic glaucoma) or ocular high pressure caused by other eye conditions;
- eyelash hypotrichosis (Bimatoprost increases eyelash length, darkness).
Additionally, Bimatoprost may lower of the extraocular recipient pressure (sometimes called “episcleral venous pressure”).
Bimatoprost may cause your eyelashes to darken and grow, may slowly change your eye color and color of the skin around the eyelid, increasing the amount of brown pigment in the iris. These changes may be permanent. Some individuals may also experience photophobia and may become more sensitive to sunlight (UV) exposure.
MOA (mechanism of action):
Bimatoprost is an ocular hypotensive agent that lowers IOP in ocular hypertensive and glaucomatous eyes. Bimatoprost acts as a vasodilator. It expands blood vessels resulting in increased outflow of aqueous fluid from the eyes through both trabecular network and uveoscleral pathways. Thus, aqueous humor outflow reduces steady-state IOP, which aids in the treatment of glaucoma.
Dosage
For increased IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Adults: instill 1 drop to the treated eye(s) once daily in the evening.
Adolescents 16 years and older: instill 1 drop to the treated eye(s) once daily in the evening.
More frequent application may decrease the IOP-lowering effect.
For hypotrichosis of the eyelashes
Adults: instill 1 drop to each upper eyelid at night with applicator; apply evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes. Do not apply to lower lashes.
More frequent application will not further increase the growth of eyelashes.
The eyelash growth returns to its pre-treatment level upon discontinuation.
Precautions
Lumigan® eye drops are not intended for use in children under 16 years of age.
Bimatoprost 0.01% solution is best suitable for the treatment of IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension as it causes minimum side effects. The eyelash growth is less evident.
Bimatoprost 0,03% solution is best suitable for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. While using Bimatoprost 0,03% solution IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma more serious side effects are observed.
Bimatoprost may slowly change your eye color, increasing the amount of brown pigment in the iris. Some individuals may also experience photophobia and may become more sensitive to sunlight (UV) exposure.
Lumigan® is a sterile solution for topical ophthalmic use only, not for injection.
Lumigan® solution is associated with allergic reactions, even following a single dose. Discontinue using Lumigan® immediately and contact your physician at the first sign of a rash or allergic reaction.
Avoid contaminating the applicator tip with eye, fingers or another source.
Contact lenses should be removed before administrating Lumigan® eye drops and may be reinserted after 15 minutes.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should instill it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not instill a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are not feeling well, stop taking the medication immediately. You should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at cool room temperature 36 to 77 degrees F, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Use within one month after opening a container. Keep out of the reach of children.
