Lumigan: Agent for Glaucoma

Lumigan is a prescription medicine also known as Bimatoprost. The dosage form comes in an ophthalmic solution which is 0.03% in strength. Lumigan is used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Lumigan is for those patients who are tolerant of other intraocular pressure-lowering medications and/or who have been insufficiently responsive to another intraocular pressure lowering agent. To have insufficiently responsive, the patient must have failed to achieve the target intraocular pressure determined after multiple measurements over time by an ocular physician.

The recommended dose of Lumigan is one drop in the affected eye(s) once a day, and only in the evening. If you use Lumigan any more than this amount, the intraocular lowering effect will decrease. To instill Lumigan in your eye(s), lie down and tilt your head backwards. Look up at the ceiling. Hold the dropper above your eye, and drop the Lumigan solution inside the lower lid. Make sure that the dropper never comes in contact with the actual eye itself. Wait at least five minutes before instilling any other ophthalmic preparations in your eye. If you wear contacts, remove these before using Lumigan. You can reinsert your contacts fifteen minutes after Lumigan has been administered. Make sure to avoid squinting or closing your eyes tightly after instilling the Lumigan drops. Try to keep your eyes open so that Lumigan may penetrate thoroughly.

Lumigan is the first of a new class of glaucoma drugs known as prostamides. The human body manufactures prostamides naturally. In the eye, certain prostamides has been shown to help the fluid in the eye flow out by opening alternative drainage canals, therefore keeping the eye pressure from becoming elevated. Lumigan works because the Bimatropost is a synthetic analog which is similar to this eye's natural prostaglandin and is believed to increase the fluid outflow of the aqueous humor through this secondary drainage system, which in turn, lowers intraocular pressure. Bimatoprost acts locally without significant systemic action.

Bimatoprost may permanently change the color and growth of your eyelashes and increase the pigmentation of the iris and eyelid. These changes may not be reversible. Patients who suffer from active intraocular inflammations must use Lumigan with caution. If you are a patient with a torn lens capsule, also use Lumigan with caution. Bimatoprost has been known to cause rare cases of macular edema (swelling in the eye). The most common side effect that has been reported by patients who are using Lumigan includes conjunctival hyperemia, growth of eyelashes, blurred vision, burning, stinging, mild foreign body sensation, dryness and redness. If you notice any difficulty breathing or joint pain and/or rash, contact your doctor immediately. These systemic side effects are not normal, and may be a sign that Lumigan is not for you.

If your doctor prescribes Lumigan to you, do not discontinue the medication until it is completely used. Store Lumigan in a cool, dry place away from children and sunlight. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless the time is closer to your next dose. If any side effects become severe and impairing in any way, make sure to contact your physician. With regular, proper use, Lumigan will help you focus less on ocular pain and pressure, and focus more on life and things that matter the most to you.