Bimatoprost - Ophthalmic

Bimatoprost is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat increased pressure in the eye.

This medicine may also be used to treat hypotrichosis (sparse and coarse hair growth) of the eyelashes.

Use Bimatoprost exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Your doctor will discuss the use of this medicine as different brands of Bimatoprost may only be used for a specific condition.

To use the eye drop solution, follow these steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using the eye drops.
2. Tilt your head slightly backwards. With the index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Look upward and instil the required number of drops inside the lower eyelid.
3. Close your eye and do not blink for the next 30 seconds. Using your index finger, gently press the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1-2 minutes. This may help prevent the absorption of Bimatoprost into other parts of the body.
4. Wipe any excess liquid from your face with a clean tissue.
5. Replace and tighten the cap of the bottle.

For the treatment of hypotrichosis, follow these steps:

1. Ensure the face is clean before applying Bimatoprost.
2. Using the provided sterile applicator, apply this medicine evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes (where the eyelashes meet the skin). Do not apply to the lower eyelash line. Do not use brushes or any other applicator.
3. Use a tissue or an absorbent cloth to blot any excess solution beyond the eyelid margin.
4. Repeat the procedure for the opposite eyelid using a new sterile applicator. Do not reuse applicators.

Do not allow the tip of the dropper of this medicine to touch your eyes, eyelids, or any other surface. Recap the eye drop immediately after use. If the eye drop becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in your eyes.

If you have been given any other eye drops or medicines to be used together with Bimatoprost, wait for at least 5 minutes before using the other medicine.

Do not share your eye drops with anyone else.

Some brands of Bimatoprost contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. This may discolour soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before using this medicine. Wait for at least 15 minutes before reinserting your lenses.

Instil or apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

If you often forget to use your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• other eye problems e.g. absence of the natural lens in one or both eyes, inflammation or swelling of the macula (the light-sensitive part of the eye)
• history of viral infection or inflammation of the eye
• lung disease or breathing problems e.g. asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (a long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction, making it hard to breathe)
• low heart rate
• low blood pressure
• kidney disease
• moderate to severe liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

For as long as you using this medicine, you may need to have your eyes checked regularly to monitor the pressure in your eyes. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have this test.

Bimatoprost may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dry eye, red and inflamed eyelids, sensitivity to light, and irritation, itching or burning sensation in the eyes.

This medicine may gradually change the colour of your eyes, eyelashes, and eyelid skin.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• changes in eyesight, severe eye irritation, eye pain
• eye discharge
• inflammation or swelling around or in the eye
• shortness of breath, asthma or worsening of asthma

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using other medicines to treat increased pressure in the eye.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store below 25°C, away from the reach of children.

Throw away any remaining eye drops 4 weeks after opening. Mark the date of opening on the eye drop bottle so that you know when to discard it.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.