Travatan Z

The active ingredient in Travatan Z is travoprost ophthalmic solution. It is a prostaglandin analog that works by reducing eye pressure via increasing outflow of fluid from 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 Travatan Z. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Travatan Z:

1. Wash your hands before and after each use.

2. Do not allow the tip of the dropper to touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface to avoid contamination.

3. To apply the drops, tilt your head up and pull down on your lower eyelid of the affected eye while looking up. Then drop one drop of the solution into your eye.

4. Following administration, close your eyes gently and hold pressure on your tear duct (inner corner of your eye, by your nose) for one minute. Then repeat for the other eye if needed.

4. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before administering travoprost, then you can re-insert them 15 minutes after.

5. If you use more than one eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes between administrations.

6. It is recommended to apply the drops in the evening due to side effects (blurred vision) and increased contact time during sleep.

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

• Eye redness (ocular hyperemia)/itchiness.
• Eye pain.
• Eyelid crusting.
• Eye discomfort/ foreign body sensation.
• Dry eyes.
• Permanent color changes (pigmentation) of the iris, eyelid, and eyelashes. These changes are not known to be harmful.
• Eyelash changes, including increased length, thickness, and number of eyelashes. This effect is usually reversible.

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

• Vision changes, including blurred vision or vision loss, may be caused by swelling in the eyes (macular edema).
• Bacterial keratitis, an eye infection of the cornea, may present as severe eye pain, redness, tearing, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or difficulty opening the eye. This can occur if droppers are contaminated with bacteria.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Travatan Z. 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 Travatan Z, 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 whether you have:

• Uveitis, as the inflammation can be worsened by the use of travoprost.
• Macular edema, or with known risk factors for the development of this condition.
• Angle-closure, inflammatory, or neovascular glaucoma - travoprost has not been evaluated for these indications.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye injury, eye infection, or plan to have eye surgery.

• Previous or suspected hypersensitivity/allergic reaction to travoprost.
• Children under the age of 16, as there is concern about the long-term effects of pigmentation.

Travoprost begins to work within 2 hours, with its full effect seen in 12 hours.

When Travatan Z 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:

• Latanoprost - This medication has the same mechanism of action as travoprost, and they should not be used together.
• Ophthalmic Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents (NSAIDs) such as ophthalmic diclofenac, ketorolac, and bromfenac may increase the effects of travoprost.

Travoprost ophthalmic solution contains travoprost 0.04 mg/mL.

It should be stored at room temperature away from the reach of children or pets.

Brand name Travatan Z is manufactured by Novartis.

Yes, it is available from several manufacturers of generic drugs.

Barring any of the above serious side effects, this medication should not be discontinued unless under the advice of a doctor.

Ophthalmic prostaglandins are usually avoided during pregnancy, due to a theoretical risk of miscarriage and premature birth. Other agents for treating glaucoma during pregnancy are preferred. 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.

While it is not known whether travoprost is found in breast milk, it is considered compatible with breastfeeding. Administering the eye drops after nursing may help to decrease potential exposure to an infant. 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.