Uses
This product contains 2 medications used to reduce high pressure in the eye caused by glaucoma (open angle-type) or other eye conditions (such as ocular hypertension). Lowering high pressure inside the eye helps to prevent vision loss. Timolol belongs to a class of drugs known as beta blockers. Latanoprost belongs to a class of drugs known as prostaglandins.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is for use in the affected eye(s), usually once daily or as directed by your doctor.
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.
The preservative in this product may be absorbed by contact lenses. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medication before replacing your contact lenses.
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 the pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose) and apply gentle pressure to prevent the medication from draining out. Wait 2 to 3 minutes before opening your eyes. Try not to blink and do not rub your eyes. Repeat these steps for your other eye if so directed by your doctor.
Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointment), 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. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
Keep using this medication even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eyes do not have symptoms.
Side Effects
Temporary blurred vision, burning/itching/redness in the eye, dry eyes, watery eyes, feeling as if something is in the eye, increase in eyelash number/color/length/thickness, eyelid changes/skin darkening, eyelid crusting/discomfort, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
This medication may slowly (over months to years) cause brown discoloration/darkening of the colored portion of the eye (iris). If you are using this medication in only one eye, only that iris may change color. This color change may be permanent and the long-term effects are uncertain. Tell your doctor if this occurs and schedule regular eye exams to monitor it.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- eye pain/discomfort in bright light (photophobia)
- slow/irregular heartbeat
- signs of low blood pressure (such as dizziness/fainting)
- mental/mood changes (such as depression)
- coldness/numbness/pain in the hands or feet
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:
- sudden vision change
- trouble breathing
- signs of new/worsening heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain)
- symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating)
- signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, confusion)
A very serious allergic reaction to these drugs is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- severe itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to timolol or latanoprost; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- other eye problems (such as iritis, uveitis, macular edema, lens extraction/aphakia, herpes infection of the eye)
- lung disease/breathing problems (such as current or past medical history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- slow/irregular heartbeat
- heart problems (such as chest pain, heart failure)
- low blood pressure
- diabetes
- blood circulation problems
- overactive thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism)
- a certain muscle/nerve disease (myasthenia gravis)
- severe allergic reactions (such as anaphylaxis, atopy)
If you develop an eye infection or injury, or have eye surgery, check with your doctor about whether you should continue to use your current bottle of timolol/latanoprost. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
After you apply this drug, your vision may become temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you can do it safely.
If you have diabetes, this product may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness and sweating, are unaffected by this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Timolol passes into breast milk. It is unknown if latanoprost passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- beta blockers (such as atenolol, propranolol)
- eyelash treatment (such as bimatoprost)
- epinephrine
Overdose
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: trouble breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as eye exams, heart rate) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember if it is on the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store the unopened bottle in the refrigerator. Protect from light.
Once opened, the container may be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Do not store in the bathroom. Discard container 10 weeks after opening. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
