Travatan

This page contains drug information on Travatan.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Travatan
the possible side effects of Travatan
what happens if you miss a dose of Travatan
what happens if you overdose with Travatan
the most important information about Travatan
how to use Travatan
other drugs that may affect Travatan
what to avoid while using Travatan
 
Generic Name: travoprost ophthalmic (TRA voe prost)
Brand Names: Travatan
 
What is the most important information I should know about travatan?
 •  travatan may cause a change in the color of the eyes and/ or eyelids. The amount of brown pigment in the eyes and eyelids may increase during treatment with travatan, 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. travatan 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 travatan?
 •  travatan reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
 •  travatan is used to treat certain types of glaucoma and high pressure in the eye(s).
 •  travatan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using travatan?
 •  Before using travatan, 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 travatan, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
 •  travatan is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether travatan will be harmful to an unborn baby. Because travoprost may be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant should exercise caution to avoid direct exposure to the contents of the bottle. In the case of accidental contact with the medication, the area should be thoroughly cleansed with soap and water immediately. Do not use travatan without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  It is not known whether travoprost passes into breast milk. Do not use travatan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use travatan?
 •  Use travatan 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.
 •  travatan is usually used once a day, one drop in the affected eye(s), 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 travatan is used regularly, try to make applying them a part of your nightly routine. Follow your doctors instructions.
 •  Wash your hands before and after using the eyedrops.
 •  travatan 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.
 •  To apply the eyedrops:
      · Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Steady the hand holding the bottle by placing your thumb against your brow or the bridge of your 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 fall into the pocket formed by your lower eyelid. Do not allow the dropper to touch your 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 your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your 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 or eyelid infection or if you need to have eye surgery during treatment with travatan.
 •  Do not use any eyedrop that is discolored or has particles in it.
 •  Store travatan at room temperature between 36 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (2 and 25 degrees Celsius). Throw away any unused medication after 6 weeks. Keep the bottle properly capped.

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 if an overdose or travatan is suspected or if the drops have been ingested.
 •  Symptoms of a travatan overdose have not been reported.

What should I avoid while using travatan?
 •  Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including your eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eye, possibly resulting in a loss of vision.
 •  travatan 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 travatan to prevent an interaction.

What are the possible side effects of travatan?
 •  Call your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as itching or redness or 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 travatan and talk to your doctor about these side effects if they occur.
 •  travatan may cause a change in the color of the eyes and/ or eyelids. The amount of brown pigment in the eyes and eyelids may increase during treatment with travatan, 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. travatan 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 travatan?
 •  Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are using another eye medication. Apply other eye medications at least 5 minutes before or after a dose of travatan to prevent an interaction.
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with travatan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.