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Home » Eye & Ear Problems »Travatan
Travatan
Brand names: Travatan
Generic name: Travoprost, Ophthalmic solution
Manufacturer: Alcon
Contents: 0.004 % x 2.5 mL
USES
Travoprost is used to treat high pressure inside the eye due to glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye diseases (e.g., ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye can help prevent blindness. This medication works by regulating the flow of fluid within the eye to maintain a normal pressure.
HOW TO USE
Apply this medication in the affected eye(s) usually once a day in the evening, or as directed by your doctor. Do not use travoprost more often because it will not work as well. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface. Remove contact lenses before using this medication because it contains a preservative that can be absorbed by them. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication before putting your lenses back in. Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into it. Look downward and gently close your eyes for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use. If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue using travoprost even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eye do not have symptoms.
SIDE EFFECTS
Blurred vision, eye redness/discomfort/itching, feeling as if something is in your eye, dry eyes, tearing, eyelid crusting, increase in eyelash number/length/thickness, darkening color of the eyelashes and eyelids, dizziness, or increased sensitivity to light may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. This medication may slowly (over months to years) cause brown discoloration of the colored portion of the eye (iris). If you are using travoprost in only one eye, only that iris may change color. This color change may be permanent but the long-term effects are uncertain. Notify your doctor if this occurs and schedule regular eye exams to monitor it. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes, eye pain, swelling/redness of the eyelids, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression), chest pain, slow heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Before using travoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (e.g., bimatoprost, latanoprost), preservatives (e.g., benzalkonium chloride); or if you have any other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: eye problems (e.g., macular edema, iritis, uveitis, lens extraction/aphakia). If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about the continued use of your current bottle of travoprost. You may be advised to start using a new bottle. This drug may make you dizzy or cause temporary blurred vision. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness and clear vision such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.
NOTES
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE
Store between 36-77 degrees F (2-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
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