Xalatan

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Xalatan (Latanoprost). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Xalatan (Latanoprost) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Xalatan (Latanoprost). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• blurred vision, eye irritation, or tearing
• dryness of eye
• burning sensation in the eye
• feeling of "something in eye"
• itchy eye
• longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes
• stinging of eye
• excessively watering eye

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blurred or wavy vision in the middle of the eye
• changed perception of colour
• cold or flu symptoms, sore throat, Fever
• darkening of eyelid skin colour
• discharge from the eye
• double-vision
• eye irritation from eyelashes growing in the wrong direction
• eye pain
• eyelid crusting, redness, swelling, discomfort, or pain
• increase in brown colour in coloured part of eye
• pain in muscles, joints, or back
• redness of eye or inside of eyelid
• sensitivity of eye to light
• signs of eye infection (e.g., blurred vision, pain, redness, tearing, discharge, sensitivity to light)
• skin rash

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Angina pectoris or other chest pain
• chest tightness
• increased Asthma symptoms (e.g., wheezing, difficulty breathing, noisy breathing)
• severe skin reaction (rash near eye area as well as other areas of the body)
• swelling of the eye
• vision changes with a red and sore or painful eye

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Xalatan (Latanoprost).

50 µg/mL
Each mL of a sterile, isotonic, buffered aqueous solution, for topical ophthalmic administration, contains 50 µg of Xalatan (Latanoprost). One drop contains approximately 1.5 µg of Xalatan (Latanoprost). Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzalkonium chloride as a preservative, disodium phosphate anhydrous, sodium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, and water for injection. Buffered to a pH of approximately 6.7 and is isotonic with lacrimal fluid.

Xalatan (Latanoprost) should not be used by anyone who is allergic to Xalatan (Latanoprost) or any ingredients of the medication.

There may be an interaction between Xalatan (Latanoprost) and any of the following:

• Bimatoprost
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• other eye drops
• thimerosal

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Xalatan (Latanoprost). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Xalatan (Latanoprost).

Asthma: Some people with asthma may experience an increase in asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, when they use Xalatan (Latanoprost) or other similar medications. If you have asthma, discuss with your doctor how Xalatan (Latanoprost) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xalatan (Latanoprost), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Eye changes: Xalatan (Latanoprost) may gradually change the colour of the eye, increasing the amount of brown pigment in the iris by increasing the number of melanosomes (pigment granules). The long-term effects on the eye and the chances of injury to the eye are currently unknown. The change in colour may be permanent. This effect has mostly been seen in patients with mixed-coloured eyes (e.g., blue-brown, grey-brown, green-brown, or yellow-brown). In patients with uniformly blue, grey, green, or brown eyes, the change has only rarely been seen. The change in colour occurs slowly, and may not be noticeable for several months to years. Xalatan (Latanoprost) has also been reported to cause darkening, thickening, and lengthening of eyelashes, as well as darkening of the eyelid.

Other eye conditions: The safety of using Xalatan (Latanoprost) eye drops if you have other eye conditions may not be well known. If you have other eye conditions such as uveitis or lens problems, discuss with your doctor how Xalatan (Latanoprost) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xalatan (Latanoprost), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney or liver function: Xalatan (Latanoprost) has not been studied for use by people with impaired kidney or liver function. Xalatan (Latanoprost) should be used with caution by these individuals.

Pregnancy: Xalatan (Latanoprost) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Xalatan (Latanoprost), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Xalatan (Latanoprost) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Xalatan (Latanoprost), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and efficacy of Xalatan (Latanoprost) have not been established for use by children.