Lumigan

What is Lumigan?

Lumigan (bimatoprost) lowers pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.

Lumigan eye drops are used to treat certain types of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.

Lumigan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

Do not use Lumigan eye drops while wearing contact lenses. The eye drops may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using Lumigan before putting in your contact lenses.

Lumigan 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.

Do not allow the tip of the Lumigan eye dropper to touch any surface, including your eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

After using Lumigan, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before using this medicine

You should not use Lumigan if you are allergic to bimatoprost.

To make sure Lumigan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• swelling or infection in your eye;

• retinal detachment; or

• eye surgery or injury affecting the lens of your eye.

Lumigan may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These changes 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.

It is not known whether Lumigan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether Lumigan passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Lumigan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.

How should I use Lumigan?

Use Lumigan eye drops exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The usual dose of Lumigan eye drops is 1 drop into the affected eye every evening. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Lumigan may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the Lumigan eye drops:

• 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.

• 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.

• Wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Do not use Lumigan eye drops if the liquid has changed color or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.

Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye injury or eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

Store this medicine at cool room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Lumigan 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 Lumigan?

Avoid using too much of this medicine, which can actually make it less effective in lowering the pressure inside the eye.

Lumigan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction ro Lumigan: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);

• vision changes; or

• red, swollen, or itchy eyelids.

Common Lumigan side effects may include:

• eye redness or itching.

Lumigan may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These changes 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.

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.

What other drugs will affect Lumigan?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on Lumigan 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.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Lumigan only for the indication prescribed.