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Close Up on Eyes

Xalatan (latanoprost) Eye Drops

Xalatan (latanoprost) Eye Drops.webp

This medication is used to reduce pressure in the eye, usually if you have glaucoma.  If the high pressure is not reduced, it could eventually damage your sight. 

How to Use

  • Wash your hands.

  • Remove contact lenses (if applicable).

  • Do not let the dropper tip touch your eye or any other surface.

  • Tilt your head back, look up and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pocket.

  • Hold the bottle upside down directly over your eye and allow 1 drop to fall into the pocket by gently squeezing the bottle.

  • If a drop misses your eye, try again.

  • Look down and close your eye for about 2 minutes.

  • Place a finger at the inner corner of the eye and press. This will reduce the medication from draining out. 

  • Try not to blink, squeeze your eyelids or rub your eyes.

  • Replace bottle cap.

  • Wait 3-5 minutes in between different eye drops (if using multiple types of eye drops).

  • If you use contact lenses, wait 15 minutes after using before you put them back in.

  • Discard any unused drops 28 days after opening by dropping off to the pharmacy.

Side Effects & Precautions

  • Changes to the colour of your eye

    • It may make your iris (the coloured part of your eye) more brown.  This happens most commonly if your iris has mixed colours, i.e., blue-brown, grey-brown, green-brown or yellow-brown.  If you use this medicine in one eye only, colour changes in the iris may appear only in the treated eye.

    • These changes may be permanent. 

  • Reversible changes to eyelashes (darkening, appearing thicker and longer than they usually do and increase in number)

  • Eye irritation due to the growth of misdirected eyelashes; tell your doctor if this happens 

  • Darkening of eyelids, which may be permanent

  • The feeling that something is in your eye

  • Red eye(s), watery eye(s)

  • Blurred vision (wait until this wears off before you drive or operate machinery)

  • Photophobia (visual sensitivity to light)

Special Storage Conditions

  • Before it is first opened, keep it in a fridge, out of direct light. 

  • Once the bottle has been opened, it may be kept at room temperature. It must be used within 6 weeks after opening the bottle. 

  • Discard the bottle and/or unused contents after 6 weeks. 

  • Keep out of reach and sight of children.​

  • Do not use it after the expiry date (the expiry date refers to the last day of that month)

This is for informational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice.  It is not a complete product summary and does not include a full list of side effects.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have or for any unexpected effects while using this product. 

Source: https://www.pfizer.ca/sites/default/files/202005/XALATAN_PI_E_237364_2020.05.01.pdf

Image Source: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/daily-medication-pearl-latanoprost-xalatan-

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