Lumigan (Bimatoprost)

What is Lumigan?

Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is a synthetic prostamide analog with ocular hypotensive activity.

What is Lumigan used for?

Lumigan is indicated for the treatment of certain types of glaucoma and other reasons of high pressure in the eye. It prevents blindness.

The medicine also improves the length, fullness and color of eyelashes in patients with hypotrichosis (lack of eyelash growth).

How does Lumigan work?

Lumigan works by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye and thereby reducing intraocular pressure.

How to use Lumigan

Lumigan should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause problem in the eyes.

To apply the eye drops, follow the steps mentioned below:

• Tilt your head back slightly.
• Pull down on the lower eyelid
• Hold the eye dropper above the eye. Make sure that the dropper is tipped down.
• Look up. Don’t look into the dropper, look away from it.
• Squeeze out one drop and close your eye.
• Press your fore-finger gently to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose). Do it for about a minute to prevent the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• Wait for at least 5 minutes before using any other prescribed eye drops.

Lumigan warnings and precautions

Do not use Lumigan if you are allergic to bimatoprost. Prior to using Lumigan, consult your doctor if you have swelling or infection in your eye.

Do not use Lumigan while wearing contact lenses as it may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by the contact lenses. The medicine may cause a gradual change in the color of lashes and eyes or eyelids, resulting in cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.

Do not touch the dropper as contaminated dropper can cause infection in the eye. This may result in loss of vision or cause damage to the eye.

Pregnant women should not use the drug without consulting their doctors. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. It is not known if the drug passes into breast milk. Therefore, lactating women must consult their doctors before using the medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Lumigan dose?

If you have missed your Lumigan dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.

What do I do if I have taken a Lumigan overdose?

If you have taken a Lumigan overdose you should seek emergency medical attention.

Lumigan interactions

Before taking Lumigan, consult your doctor if you are allergic to any drug and tell him about the vitamins, minerals and other drugs that you use.

Also, do not start taking a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Lumigan side effects

Lumigan side effects include hives; breathing difficulty; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions.

Redness, itching, swelling, pain in or around the eye, increased sensitivity to light, oozing or discharge from the eye or vision changes are also side effects from Lumigan. If you get any of these side effects after using Lumigan, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Mild eye discomfort, dizziness, blurred vision, dry or watery eyes, or stinging or burning of the eyes after using the drops are some less serious side effects of Lumigan.