Lumigan
Generic Name: Bimatoprost
What is Lumigan?
Lumigan is an eye drop used to treat high pressure within the eye, also called intraocular pressure (IOP), in people with glaucoma or high blood pressure in the eyes.What is the most important information I should know about Lumigan?
Lumigan may darken the color of your iris (colored part of the eye), eyelid, and eyelashes, and may cause permanent brown pigmentation of the iris. Lumigan may also increase the growth or change the direction of growth of your eyelashes and small hairs around your eye. If you stop using Lumigan, the discoloration of your eyelids or eyelashes is reversible; however, the discoloration of the iris is most likely permanent. If you notice any discoloration or changes in these areas of the eye, inform your doctor so that you can be appropriately monitored.When using Lumigan, do not allow the tip of the bottle to touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface, as serious eye infections may occur if your bottle becomes contaminated. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any eye injury, infection, or eyelid reactions before continuing to use Lumigan.
Remove soft contact lenses before putting Lumigan drops in your eye, and then reinsert after at least 15 minutes. If you also use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes before applying Lumigan.
Who should not take Lumigan?
Do not use Lumigan if you have a known sensitivity or allergy to this product.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Lumigan?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Lumigan. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have inflammation, infection, or any other eye injury or condition; have scheduled eye surgery; or you wear contact lenses.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults: The usual dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Do not exceed more than the once-daily dosage.
How should I take Lumigan?
Apply the prescribed number of drops in the affected eye(s) in the evening. Remove contact lenses prior to administration; lenses may be reinserted after 15 minutes. Do not let the tip of the applicator touch the eye and avoid contamination of the applicator tip.To apply the drop(s): 1) Wash your hands with soap and water. 2) Look toward the ceiling with both eyes open. 3) Pull your lower lid down. 4) Put a drop of medicine in the sac behind the lashes of the lower lid. 5) Try to keep your eyes closed for 1 minute after applying the drops to obtain the maximum benefit.
Separate administration of Lumigan and other eye medications from each other by at least 5 minutes.
What should I avoid while taking Lumigan?
Avoid allowing the tip of the Lumigan bottle to touch other surfaces (eye, fingers).What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Lumigan?
If Lumigan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Lumigan with any other product(s) applied to the eye.What are the possible side effects of Lumigan?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: color changes of the iris, eye or eyelid redness, growth of eyelashes, visual disturbances, dry eyes, burning or foreign body sensation in the eyes, eye pain, darkening of the eyelashes or skin around the eyes, cataracts, swelling of the eye or eyelid, itching of the eyes, eye discharge, tearing, eye sensitivity to light
Can I receive Lumigan if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Lumigan during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Lumigan?
If you forget to use Lumigan, skip the dose you missed and then return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Lumigan?
Lumigan should be stored in the original container, in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
