Xalatan (Generic)

Apply this medication in the affected eye(s) usually once daily in the evening, or as directed by your doctor. Do not use this medication more frequently than prescribed; using more can decrease effectiveness.

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 wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medication and keep them out of your eyes for at least 15 minutes after applying latanoprost.

Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and apply the prescribed number of drops. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Place one finger at the inside corner of your eye near the nose and apply gentle pressure. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink and do not rub your eye.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

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 latanoprost even if you feel well. Most people with glaucoma or high pressure in the eye do not feel sick.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (e.g., drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutes before applying other products. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the eye drops to enter the eye.

Blurred vision, burning/stinging/itching/redness of the eye, feeling as if something is in the eye, changes in eyelash number/color/length/thickness, eyelid changes/skin darkening, dry eye, lid crusting/discomfort, 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 latanoprost 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 he or she 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, suspected eye infection (unusual redness or swelling of eyes), rapid vision changes (e.g., loss of vision).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug 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), 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.

Before using latanoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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 (e.g., macular edema, keratitis, 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 latanoprost. You may be advised to start using a new bottle.

Your vision may be temporarily blurred or unstable after applying this drug. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store the unopened bottles in the refrigerator. Once a bottle is opened for use, it may be stored at room temperature for 4 to 6 weeks (depending on your brand). Discard any opened, unused bottles after this time period. Read the product package carefully. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.

Store away from light and moisture. 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.

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 are: eyelash treatment (such as topically applied bimatoprost).

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. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Missed Doses:

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 and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

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.