What Is Lumigan Used For?

Lumigan eye drops contain the active ingredient bimatoprost and are specifically designed to treat eye conditions related to increased pressure.

Primary Uses

Lumigan 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 may have normal eye pressure. This condition is usually caused by a buildup of fluid that flows through the eye, occurring because fluid drains out more slowly than it enters. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to serious problems including total blindness and is one of the most common causes of blindness.

How It Works

Lumigan lowers eye pressure by helping fluid flow out of the eye chamber more effectively. It can be used alone or together with other eye drops or medicines to control raised pressure within your eyes. While Lumigan helps control your condition, it will not cure it.

How to Take Lumigan

Proper application technique is essential for Lumigan to work effectively and safely.

Dosage Instructions

The usual dose is one drop in your affected eye(s) each evening, according to your doctor’s instructions. Use the drops at about the same time each day for best results. Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses – wait 15 minutes after using Lumigan before replacing contact lenses. If using multiple eye products, wait 5 minutes between applications, with eye ointments applied last. To apply: wash hands, remove cap, hold bottle upside down, pull down lower eyelid to form a pouch, tilt head back, place bottle tip close to (but not touching) lower eyelid, squeeze one drop into the pouch, close eye without blinking, press finger against inside corner of eye for 2 minutes, replace cap, and wash hands again.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget your evening dose and it’s almost time for the next dose, use your drops at the usual time the next evening. If you remember during the night or morning, use the drops as soon as you remember and return to your usual schedule. Do not use double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose.

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
• Itching or irritation of the eye
• Feeling of something in the eye
• Dry eye
• Redness in or around eye or eyelid
• Watery eyes
• Inflamed eyelids
• Eye discomfort and strain
• Burning of the eye and nearby eyelid
• Itchy eye and eyelid
• Inflammation inside the eye
• Swelling of the eye surface
• Sensitivity to light
• Darkening of the area around the eye
• Eyelash darkening
• Darkening of the colored part of the eye (iris)
• Loss of fat in the eye region
• Headache
• Feeling weak and tired
• Cold symptoms (runny nose, nasal congestion)
• Excessive hair growth where product contacts skin
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Allergic skin reaction (rash, itching, hives)

Important Warnings

Before using Lumigan, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and who should avoid this medication.

Who Should Not Take Lumigan

Do not use Lumigan if you are allergic to bimatoprost or any other ingredients listed. Also avoid if the seal around the cap is broken, the bottle shows signs of tampering, or the product doesn’t look right.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Check with your doctor if you have or have had: eye inflammation (such as uveitis), eye surgery, missing eye lens, artificial lens following cataract surgery, torn or ruptured lens capsule, other eye problems like macular inflammation or swelling, diabetes-related eye conditions (diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein blockage), low blood pressure or slow heartbeat, lung or airway problems, liver or kidney problems, or if you take medicines for other conditions.

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 Lumigan.

Cosmetic Effects

Lumigan may cause permanent cosmetic changes to your eyes including: loss of fat around the eye causing deeper eyelid creases, sunken appearance, drooping upper eyelid, tighter skin around the eye, and more visible lower white part of the eye. These changes may affect your field of vision if pronounced. Eyelashes may grow longer and thicker, and eyelashes, skin around the eye, and the colored part of the eye (iris) may become darker. Hair may grow where Lumigan contacts the skin. If treating only one eye, cosmetic differences between eyes may be noticeable.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with how Lumigan works, and Lumigan may affect how other medicines work.

• Other eye drops in the same class as Lumigan (such as latanoprost, tafluprost, and travoprost) may reduce each other’s effectiveness

Alcohol & Driving

Special precautions are needed when using Lumigan regarding vision and daily activities.

Alcohol

There is no information available on the effects of using Lumigan with alcohol.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Your vision may be blurred after using Lumigan eye drops. Wait until your vision clears completely before driving or using machines.

Storage

Store Lumigan in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep the lid closed tightly after each use and keep away from children. Discard the bottle 28 days after first opening it, even if there is solution remaining.

Overdose Information

If you use too much Lumigan, immediately rinse your eyes with warm water. If Lumigan is accidentally swallowed, immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 1126 in Australia or 0800 POISON in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions