Lumigan

This page contains drug information on Lumigan.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Lumigan
the possible side effects of Lumigan
what happens if you miss a dose of Lumigan
what happens if you overdose with Lumigan
the most important information about Lumigan
how to use Lumigan
other drugs that may affect Lumigan
what to avoid while using Lumigan
 
Generic Name: lumigan (bih MAH toe prost)
Brand Names: Lumigan
 
What is the most important information I should know about lumigan?
 •  lumigan may cause a change in the color of the eyes and/ or the skin around the eyes. The amount of brown pigment in the eyes and skin around the eyes may increase during treatment with lumigan, and it is not known if color changes are reversible after treatment. These changes occur slowly and may not be noticeable for months or years. lumigan may also cause an increase in the length, thickness, and number of eyelashes. These effects may occur only in the eye being treated.
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye, possibly resulting in a loss of vision.

What is lumigan?
 •  lumigan reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
 •  lumigan is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and high pressure in the eye(s).
 •  lumigan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using lumigan?
 •  Before using lumigan, tell your doctor if you have:
      · an eye infection or other eye problems 
      · angle closure, inflammatory, or neovascular glaucoma
      · liver disease, or
      · kidney disease.
 •  You may not be able to use lumigan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
 •  lumigan is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether lumigan will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do notuse lumigan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  It is not known whether bimatoprost passes into breast milk. Do not use lumigan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use lumigan?
 •  Use lumigan eyedrops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse to explain them to you.
 •  lumigan is usually used once a day, one drop in the affected eye or eyes, in the evening. Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed, as more frequent administration may decrease the effects of the medication. Since lumigan is used regularly, try to make applying the drops a part of your nightly routine. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  Wash your hands before and after using the eyedrops.
 •  lumigan contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), therefore contact lenses should not be worn when applying the medication. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes after application of the drops.
 •  To apply the eyedrops:
      · Tilt the head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid. Position the dropper above the eye. Steady the hand holding the bottle by placing the thumb against your brow or the bridge of the nose. Look up and away from the dropper. Gently press or lightly tap the side of the bottle to allow only a single drop of medicine to fall into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid. Do not allow the dropper to touch the eye. Close the eye and apply gentle pressure to the inside corner of the eye for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. If you are using drops in both eyes, repeat this procedure in the other eye. If you are also using another eye medication, wait at least 5 minutes before applying the other medication.
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye possibly resulting in a loss of vision. 
 •  Contact your doctor if you develop any other problems with your eye(s) including signs of eye infection or if you need to have eye surgery during treatment with lumigan.
 •  Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
 •  Once the bottle is opened, lumigan can be stored at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 25 degrees Celsius). Keep the bottle properly capped, in its original container.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Contact a poison control left or another emergency medical left for advice.
 •  Symptoms of a lumigan overdose have not been reported.

What should I avoid while using lumigan?
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye possibly resulting in a loss of vision. 
 •  lumigan contains a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), therefore contact lenses should not be worn when applying the medication. Contact lenses can be inserted 15 minutes after application of the drops.
 •  Apply other eye medications at least 5 minutes before or after a dose of lumigan, to prevent an interaction.

What are the possible side effects of lumigan?
 •  If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives) to lumigan, stop using the medication and seek emergency medical attention.
 •  Contact your doctor immediately if you notice signs of infection such as itching or redness of the eyes or eyelids or discharge from the eyes.
 •  More commonly, eye redness, discomfort burning, stinging, itching, blurred or decreased vision, dry eye, tearing, eyelid irritation, or a feeling of something in the eye may occur. Continue to use lumigan and talk to your doctor about these side effects if they occur.
 •  lumigan may cause a change in the color of the eyes and/ or the skin around the eyes. The amount of brown pigment in the eyes and skin around the eyes may increase during treatment with lumigan, and it is not known if color changes are reversible after treatment. These changes occur slowly and may not be noticeable for months or years. lumigan may also cause an increase in the length, thickness, and number of eyelashes. These effects may occur only in the eye being treated.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect lumigan?
 •  Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are using another eye medication. Apply other medications at least 5 minutes before or after a dose of lumigan to prevent an interaction.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with lumigan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.