Simbrinza

The active ingredients in Simbrinza ophthalmic suspension are brinzolamide and brimonidine tartrate. Brinzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that works by reducing the quantity of fluid produced in the eye. Brimonidine tartrate is an adrenergic receptor agonist that increases the fluid flow out of the eye and decreases the amount of fluid produced in the eye. This combination helps relieve high pressure in the eyes to prevent complications and vision loss.

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 Simbrinza. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Simbrinza:

• Wearing contact lenses while taking this medicine is not advised. A preservative (benzalkonium chloride) in Simbrinza may discolor soft contact lenses. After taking this medication, wait at least fifteen minutes before putting your contact lenses back in.
• Before using the eye drops, wash your hands and give the eye drops a good shake.

The Simbrinza eye drops are applied as follows:

• To make a tiny pocket, pull down your lower eyelid and tilt your head back a little. With the tip down, hold the dropper above the eye. Squeeze out a drop while looking up and away from the dropper.
• Keep your head tipped down and close your eyes for two or three minutes without squinting or blinking. To prevent the fluid from leaking into your tear duct, gently press your finger to the inside corner of your eye for approximately one minute.
• Don't use more drops than your doctor has prescribed. Wait roughly five minutes between drops if you use more than one.
• Before applying any additional eye drops that your doctor has ordered, wait at least five minutes.
• Avoid putting the eye dropper directly on your eye or touching its tip. Your eye could become infected by a contaminated dropper, which could cause major visual issues.
• If the liquid contains particles or has changed color, do not use Simbrinza eye drops. For new medications, give your chemist a call.
• Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you have an infection or injury to your eyes, or if you require any kind of surgery, particularly eye surgery.

The most common side effects of Simbrinza seen in clinical trials include:

• Eye irritation.
• Blurred vision.
• Changes in taste.
• Eye allergy.
• Dry mouth.
• Dry eyes.
• Headache.
• Drowsiness.
• Eye pain.
• Burning or stinging sensation in the eye.
• Eye redness in the affected eye.

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

• Allergic reaction symptoms include hives, itching, red eyes, swelling, and dyspnea.
• Worsening symptoms of certain blood flow problems (vascular insufficiency).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Simbrinza. 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 Simbrinza, 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:

• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, history of stroke or blood clot.
• High or low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension).
• Circulation problems, such as Raynaud's phenomenon (numbness or cold feeling in your fingers or toes).
• Problems with the cornea.
• Depression.
• An allergy to sulfa drugs.
• Open-angle glaucoma or angle-closure glaucoma.

You should inform your healthcare practitioner if you suffer from any of the following conditions, as Simbrinza (brinzolamide/brimonidine) is not safe for you to use.

• Are under 2 years of age.
• An allergy or hypersensitivity to brimonidine or brinzolamide.

After your first dose, Simbrinza begins to work. You probably won't feel the effects of the medicine in your eye because of the way it functions. However, throughout therapy, your eye doctor will keep an eye on you to see if the medication is helping to improve your condition.

When Simbrinza is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Antidepressants: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.
• Blood pressure drugs because brimonidine tartrate lowers blood pressure.
• Other glaucoma eye drops.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide (Diamox) and zonisamide (Zonegran).
• Salicylates such as aspirin and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol).
• Central nervous system (CNS) depressants and sedatives.

Simbrinza contains 0.2% brimonidine and 1% brinzolamide.

The typical dosage form is one drop applied to the afflicted eye or eyes, three times a day is the usual dosage.

Use the medication as soon as you recall if you miss a dose. If your next planned dose is almost here, skip the missed one. Never take more medication to make up for a missed dosage.

Store your Simbrinza drops at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturing company of Simbrinza.

There are no generic versions available of Simbrinza.

It is important to speak to your healthcare provider before you stop using Simbrinza.

It is not known if Simbrinza is safe to take while pregnant. 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.

It is not known if Simbrinza is found in breast milk. 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.