Bimatoprost Ophthalmic (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed

Bimatoprost is used to treat eye conditions, including glaucoma and ocular hypertension, in which increased pressure can lead to a gradual loss of vision. Bimatoprost is used for patients who cannot use other eye medications for their condition or whose eye condition has not responded to another medication. Bimatoprost is in a class of medications called prostamides. It lowers pressure in the eye by increasing the flow of natural eye fluids out of the eye.

How this medication should be used

Bimatoprost comes as an eyedrop to apply to the eye. It is usually applied to the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening. To help you remember to use bimatoprost, use it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use bimatoprost exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Bimatoprost controls glaucoma and ocular hypertension but does not cure them. Continue to use bimatoprost even if you feel well. Do not stop using bimatoprost without talking to your doctor.

To apply the eyedrops, follow these steps:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
Make sure the end of the dropper is not chipped or cracked.
Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or anything else.
Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
Lie down or tilt your head back.
Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing the drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
Replace and tighten the cap right away. Do not wipe or rinse it off.
Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue. Wash your hands again.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special precautions

Before using bimatoprost:

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bimatoprost or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
if you are using another topical eye medication, apply it at least 5 minutes before or after bimatoprost.
tell your doctor if you have inflammation (swelling) of the eye or a torn or missing lens and *if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using bimatoprost, call your doctor.
you should know that bimatoprost solution contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying bimatoprost and put them back in 15 minutes later.
if you have an eye injury, infection, or surgery while using bimatoprost, ask your doctor if you should continue using the same eyedrops container.

Special dietary instructions

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What to do if you forget a dose

Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

Bimatoprost may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

itchy eyes
dry eyes
burning eyes
eye pain or irritation
eye tearing
headaches

Severe Side Effects

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

sensitivity to light
pink eye
redness or swelling of the eyelid

Bimatoprost may change the color of your eye (to brown) and darken the skin around the eye. It may also cause your eyelashes to grow longer and thicker and darken in color. These changes usually occur slowly, but they may be permanent. If you use bimatoprost in only one eye, you should know that there may be a difference between your eyes after taking bimatoprost. Call your doctor if you notice these changes.

Bimatoprost may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

Lumigan®