Lumigan

The active ingredient in Lumigan is bimatoprost. It belongs to a group of medicines called prostaglandin analogs. When the eye drops are applied, the drug helps in the drainage of fluid from within the eye which then helps to reduce eye pressure. Lowering your eye pressure reduces the risk of vision loss, as well as damage to the optic nerve in the eye.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Lumigan. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Lumigan:

• This medication should not be used while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in Lumigan eye drops (benzalkonium chloride) may permanently discolor the lenses. Apply the medication at least 15 minutes before placing your contact lenses.
• Make sure your hands are clean when using these drops.
• Avoid touching the tip of the eye dropper or placing it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, resulting in severe visual difficulties.
• Do not use Lumigan eye drops if the liquid changes color or contains particles. Contact your chemist for new medication.
• Inform your healthcare provider right away if you have an eye injury or infection, or if you intend to have eye surgery.

To use Lumigan eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to form a little pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye, tip pointing down, and squeeze a drop into this pocket.
• Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Press your finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 1 minute to prevent the liquid from leaking into your tear duct.
• Wait at least 5 minutes before applying any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

The most common side effects of Lumigan seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Eye redness or itching.
• Eye pain.
• Growth of eyelashes.
• Darkening of the eyelid skin and eyelashes.
• Hair growth outside of the treatment area.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Lumigan. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe allergic reactions (hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat).
• Macular edema (swelling of the macula, the central part of the retina).
• Severe discomfit, crusting, or drainage (which may be signs of eye infection).
• Burning feeling in the eyes.
• Blurry vision loss of vision or eye irritation.
• Dry eyes.
• Uveitis (inflammatory conditions that affect the middle part of the eye).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Lumigan. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Lumigan, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• If you are allergic to bimatoprost or have any slight allergens, you should not use Lumigan.
• Do not use Lumigan while wearing contact lenses as the eye drops may contain a preservative that discolors soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after taking Lumigan before inserting your contact lenses.
• To ensure Lumigan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had edema or infection in your eye, retinal detachment, eye surgery, or an injury to your eye's lens.
• Lumigan may cause your eyes to gradually change color, as well as increase eyelash growth or thickness. These changes happen slowly, and you may not notice them. Color changes may be permanent even after your therapy is completed, and they may only affect the eye being treated. This may result in a cosmetic change in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
• Lumigan is not approved for use by anybody under the age of 16.
• The bottle and tip of Lumigan (bimatoprost) must be kept clean and sterile. When applying the eye drops, avoid touching the tip with your hands, your eye, or any other surface.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare provider because Lumigan (bimatoprost) is not safe for you to consume.

• Allergic to other bimatoprost medicines or alternatives.

Lumigan (bimatoprost) begins to work about four hours after each dose. The drug takes full effect about 8 to 12 hours after your intake. This medication is most effective at controlling your eye pressure if used once a day in the evening.

When Lumigan is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may cause drug interactions and change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects.

• Other drugs you take orally or inject are unlikely to interact with Lumigan when taken in the eyes. However, several medications can interact with each other. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

The typical dose of Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is one drop in the affected eye(s) once per day, in the evening. The various dosage of the medication is 2.5ml of 0.01%, 5ml of 0.01% and 7.5ml of 0.01%.

• Skip the missed dose and take the medication at the next normal scheduled time. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missed dosage.
• Lumigan (bimatoprost) should be taken at night since studies have shown that prostaglandin eye drops, such as Lumigan (bimatoprost), function better at lowering eye pressure at night.

This medication should be stored at a cool room temperature, free from moisture and heat. When not in use, store the bottle tightly closed.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Lumigan is Allergan, Inc., an AbbVie company.

There are several lower-cost generic versions of Lumigan available.

If you decide to stop taking Lumigan eye drops, the pressure in your may increase. It is best to speak to your healthcare professional before stopping the course of medication.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Lumigan's effects on pregnancy or injury to an unborn infant are unknown. Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are or want to become pregnant.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you as it is not yet known if the medication passes through breast milk.