Ganfort (Bimatoprost And Timolol Maleate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Ganfort Used For?
Ganfort eye drops contain two active ingredients that work together to treat eye conditions related to increased pressure in the eye.
Primary Uses
Ganfort 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, which can damage the back of the eye and cause gradual loss of sight if left untreated.
How It Works
Ganfort works by decreasing the production of fluid in the eye and by helping the flow of fluid out of the eye. This dual action helps reduce the pressure that can damage your vision.
Good to know: While Ganfort helps control your condition, it will not cure glaucoma. There are usually no symptoms of glaucoma, making regular eye checks important.
How to Take Ganfort
Ganfort eye drops should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Proper technique is important for the medication to work effectively.
Dosage Instructions
Use one drop in your affected eye(s) each morning, at about the same time each day. Remove contact lenses before using and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in. When applying, tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pouch, and squeeze one drop into the pouch. Close your eye and press your finger against the inside corner for about two minutes to prevent the medicine from draining away.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, use Ganfort at the 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.
Important: Never use double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose. Do not touch the dropper tip to your eye or any surface to avoid contamination.
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 or stinging in the eye
- itching or irritation of the eyes
- eye dryness
- feeling of something in the eye
- watery eyes
- headache
- runny nose or nasal congestion
- cough
- feeling tired
- changes in taste sensation
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- eye pain
- discharge from the eyes
- changes to vision or double vision
- macular edema (fluid build-up at back of eye)
- slow heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- asthma or worsening of asthma
- severe allergic reaction with swelling and difficulty breathing
- symptoms of decreased blood flow to brain
- severe chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Important Warnings
Before using Ganfort, it’s essential to discuss your medical history with your doctor to ensure this medication is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Ganfort
Do not use Ganfort if you are allergic to bimatoprost, timolol, or any ingredients in the drops. Also avoid if you have or have had lung problems like asthma, bronchospasm, or COPD, or heart conditions such as slow heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, or heart failure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have eye inflammation, fluid build-up in the macula, previous eye surgery, diabetes-related eye conditions, artificial lens, severe allergic reactions, heart 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 Ganfort.
Cosmetic Changes: Ganfort may cause permanent changes to your eyes including longer, thicker eyelashes, darker eye color, and changes around the eye area that may affect your field of vision.
Drug Interactions
Ganfort can interact with other medications, potentially affecting how they work or increasing their effects.
Important: Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking, including those bought without prescription.
- medicines for high blood pressure
- medicines used to treat diabetes
- medicines for heart conditions and irregular heartbeats
- medicines used to expand blood vessels (vasodilator drugs)
- medicines to treat depression
Alcohol & Driving
Ganfort may affect your vision temporarily after use, so take precautions when driving or operating machinery.
Alcohol
There is no specific information available about the effects of using Ganfort with alcohol. Discuss with your doctor if you have concerns.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Your vision may be blurred after using Ganfort eye drops. Wait until your vision clears completely before driving or using machines.
Storage
Store Ganfort in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep the lid tightly closed after each use and keep out of reach of children. Discard the bottle 28 days after first opening it.
Overdose Information
If you use too much Ganfort, immediately rinse your eyes with warm water. If Ganfort is 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
Ganfort helps control eye pressure, but the timeline for effectiveness varies by individual. Your doctor will monitor your eye pressure regularly to ensure the medication is working properly.
No, do not put Ganfort eye drops in while wearing soft contact lenses. The preservative in Ganfort may be deposited in soft contact lenses. You can put your contact lenses back in 15 minutes after using the drops.
If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, use Ganfort at the usual time the next day. If you remember during the day, use the drops as soon as you remember. Never use double the number of drops to make up for a missed dose.
Yes, Ganfort may cause permanent cosmetic changes including longer and thicker eyelashes, darker eye color, and changes around the eye area. These changes may be noticeable, especially if only one eye is being treated.
No, do not stop using Ganfort without checking with your doctor. Your eye pressure can rise again and may cause damage to your eye. Ganfort helps control your condition but does not cure it.
Store Ganfort in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep the lid tightly closed and discard the bottle 28 days after first opening it.
If Ganfort is accidentally swallowed, immediately contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 POISON in New Zealand), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
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.