Generic name: tafluprost ophthalmic [ ta-floo-prost-off-thal-mik ]
Drug class: Ophthalmic glaucoma agents
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (0.0015%)
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Zioptan
What is Tafluprost ophthalmic?
Tafluprost reduces pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
Tafluprost ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat open-angle glaucoma or other causes of increased pressure inside the eye.
Tafluprost ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Tafluprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, sudden vision changes, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery.
Call your doctor at once if you have eye pain or redness, itchy or watery eyes, or increased sensitivity to light.
How should I take Tafluprost ophthalmic
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use tafluprost ophthalmic in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Using more tafluprost ophthalmic than prescribed will not improve your condition, and may make this medicine less effective.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
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Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
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Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
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Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Each single-use bottle of this medicine is for one use only (in one or both eyes at one time). Throw the eye drop bottle away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it after using the eye drops.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye injury or infection, sudden vision changes, or if you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery.
Store unopened cartons or foil pouches in the refrigerator, do not freeze.
After opening the foil pouch, store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Once the pouch is opened, you must use the medicine within 28 days.
Dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Intraocular Hypertension:
One eye drop in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening
Comments:
-The dose should not exceed one drop in the affected eye(s) daily as more frequent administration may lessen the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs to lower intraocular pressure.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, each one should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
-Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first administration with the maximum effect reached after 12 hours.
Use:
-Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Usual Adult Dose for Glaucoma (Open Angle):
One eye drop in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening
Comments:
-The dose should not exceed one drop in the affected eye(s) daily as more frequent administration may lessen the intraocular pressure lowering effect.
-This drug may be used concomitantly with other topical ophthalmic drugs to lower intraocular pressure.
-If more than one topical ophthalmic drug is being used, each one should be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
-Reduction of the intraocular pressure starts approximately 2 to 4 hours after the first administration with the maximum effect reached after 12 hours.
Use:
-Reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Before Taking
You should not use tafluprost ophthalmic if you are allergic to it.
Tafluprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
To make sure tafluprost ophthalmic is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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uveitis;
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any swelling or infection in or around your eye; or
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a torn or missing natural lens from inside your eye.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tafluprost ophthalmic will harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether tafluprost ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of tafluprost ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid while using Tafluprost ophthalmic?
Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Tafluprost ophthalmic side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Tafluprost ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using tafluprost ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:
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eye pain or redness;
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itchy or watery eyes;
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increased sensitivity to light; or
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severe redness or burning of the eyes after using the drops.
Common side effects of tafluprost ophthalmic may include:
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mild eye discomfort;
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blurred vision; or
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dry eyes.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Tafluprost ophthalmic Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Tafluprost ophthalmic?
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on tafluprost used in the eyes. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.