Ganfort PF 0.3/5 (Bimatoprost And Timolol Maleate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Ganfort PF 0.3/5 Used For?
Ganfort PF 0.3/5 eye drops contain two active ingredients – bimatoprost and timolol – that work together to treat eye conditions related to increased pressure.
Primary Uses
This medication is used to lower raised pressure in the eye and to treat glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where fluid pressure in the eye may be high, though some people with glaucoma have normal eye pressure. It’s usually caused by fluid building up because it drains out more slowly than it enters the eye.
How It Works
Ganfort PF 0.3/5 works by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye and by helping fluid flow out of the eye more easily. This helps reduce the pressure that can damage the back of the eye and cause gradual loss of sight.
Good to know: Although this medication helps control your condition, it will not cure it. There are usually no symptoms of glaucoma – regular eye pressure checks are the only way to know if you have it.
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How to Take Ganfort PF 0.3/5
These eye drops are for use in your eyes only and come in single-use ampoules that should be used immediately after opening.
Dosage Instructions
Use one drop in your affected eye(s) each morning, at about the same time each day. Remove contact lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before replacing them. If using other eye drops, wait 5-10 minutes between applications. Wash hands before and after use. Hold the ampoule upright, twist off cap, pull down lower eyelid, squeeze one drop into eye, then press finger against inside corner of eye for 2 minutes to prevent drainage.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, use the drops at your usual time the next day. If you remember during the day, use the drops as soon as you remember and return to your usual schedule the next day. Don’t use double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Don’t touch the dropper tip against your eye, eyelid, or any surface to avoid contamination. Throw away the ampoule after use, even if liquid remains.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- red, congested eyes
- growth of eyelashes
- darkening of eyelash color
- burning and/or stinging in the eye
- itching or irritation of the eyes
- eye dryness
- feeling of having something in the eye
- watery eyes
- redness or swelling around the eye
- sensitivity to bright light
- red, swollen, itching eyelids
- headache
- ringing in the ear
- excessive hair growth where product contacts skin
- cold symptoms like runny nose
- cough
- feeling sleepy
- reduced interest in sex
- allergic skin reactions
- changes in taste
- dry mouth
- sleep problems, nightmares, anxiety
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- eye pain
- small spots on eye surface
- discharge from the eye
- vision changes, double vision
- macular edema (fluid build-up causing blurry vision)
- eyelid spasms
- slow heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- asthma or worsening asthma
- high blood pressure
- feeling weak, tired, nauseous, dizzy
- depression
- low blood sugar
- severe allergic reaction with swelling and breathing difficulty
- symptoms of decreased blood flow to brain
- severe chest pain
- irregular heartbeat
- swelling or coldness in hands or feet
Important Warnings
Before using Ganfort PF 0.3/5, it’s important to discuss your medical history with your doctor as certain conditions may make this medication unsuitable.
Who Should Not Take Ganfort PF 0.3/5
Do not use if you are allergic to bimatoprost, timolol, or any ingredients; have or have had lung problems like asthma, bronchospasm, or COPD; have or have had heart conditions like slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure; or if the packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: inflamed eyes, fluid build-up in the macula, previous eye surgery, diabetes-related eye conditions, no natural lens or artificial lens, torn lens capsule, severe allergic reactions, heart or blood vessel problems, low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, overactive thyroid, diabetes, upcoming surgery, muscle weakness, circulation problems, or corneal disease.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or intend to breastfeed. Contact your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while using this medication.
Cosmetic Changes: This medication may cause permanent changes to your eyes including loss of fat around the eye, longer/thicker eyelashes, and darkening of eyelashes, skin around the eye, and iris color. Hair may grow where the drops contact skin.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Ganfort PF 0.3/5 works, or this medication may affect how other medicines work.
Tell your doctor: Inform your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including those bought without prescription.
- medicines for high blood pressure
- some medicines used to treat diabetes
- some medicines used to treat heart conditions (irregular heartbeats)
- medicines used to expand blood vessels (vasodilator drugs)
- medicines to treat depression
Alcohol & Driving
Take precautions when drinking alcohol or operating machinery while using this medication.
Alcohol
There is no specific information available about the effects of using Ganfort PF 0.3/5 with alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Your vision may be blurred after using these eye drops. Wait until your vision clears before driving or using machines.
Storage
Store in a cool dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Keep ampoules in the aluminum pouch until ready to use. Don’t store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep away from children. Ampoules are single-use only – throw away after use even if liquid remains. Discard any ampoules if the pouch has been open longer than 10 days.
Overdose Information
If you use too many drops, immediately rinse your eyes with warm water. If the drops are accidentally swallowed, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 POISON in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if there are no signs of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication helps control eye pressure, but you should keep all doctor appointments so your condition and eye pressure can be monitored regularly.
No, remove soft contact lenses before putting the drops in your eye and wait 15 minutes before replacing them. Do not use the drops while wearing contact lenses.
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, use the drops at your usual time the next day. If you remember during the day, use them as soon as you remember. Never use double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, this medication may cause permanent cosmetic changes including longer/thicker eyelashes, darkening of eyelashes and iris color, loss of fat around the eye, and hair growth where the drops contact skin. These changes may be noticeable if only one eye is treated.
If you need other eye drops, wait at least 5-10 minutes after using Ganfort PF 0.3/5 before applying other drops. If using eye ointment, apply the ointment last. Follow your doctor’s instructions about which drops to use and when.
Don’t stop using these drops without checking with your doctor. Your eye pressure can rise again and may cause damage to your eye. The medication helps control your condition but doesn’t cure it.
Store in a cool dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep ampoules in the aluminum pouch until ready to use. Each ampoule is for single use only – throw away after use even if liquid remains.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.