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Information on Tablets A-Z TravatanPronounced: TRAV-a-tanGeneric name: Travoprost Why is this drug prescribed: Travatan is an eyedrop that reduces excessive pressure in the eye (often a result of the condition called open-angle glaucoma). Travatan works by promoting drainage of the fluid that fills the eye. It is usually prescribed when you cannot use other remedies or the other drugs have not been effective. Most important fact about this drug: Over a period of months or years, Travatan may permanently darken the color of your iris and eyelid. It also may increase the darkness, length, and thickness of your eyelashes. If you need Travatan in only one eye, this may cause a noticeable difference. How should you take this medication: To apply Travatan, gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pocket then place a drop of the medication in the pouch. Do not place Travatan in the eyes while wearing contact lenses. Remove the lenses before administering Travatan and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them. Handle the Travatan solution carefully. Do not allow the tip of the bottle to come in contact with your eye or any surface. This could contaminate the solution and lead to an infection that seriously damages the eye. If you need to use another eye medication along with Travatan, the drugs should be applied at least 5 minutes apart. --If you miss a dose... Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. --Storage instructions... Store at room temperature. Throw away any unused medication after 6 weeks. What side effects may occur: Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Travatan. More common side effects may include: Redness in the eye (affects 35 to 50 percent of patients), decreased visual sharpness, eye discomfort, sensation of a foreign body in the eye, eye pain or itching Less common side effects may include: Abnormal or blurred vision, accidental injury, angina (crushing chest pain), anxiety, arthritis, back pain, bronchitis, cataracts, chest pain, common cold, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), cornea inflammation, depression, dry eye, eye disorders, eye hemorrhage, eyelid crusting, eyelid inflammation, digestive disorders, headache, high cholesterol, indigestion, infection, intolerance of light, iris discoloration, low or high blood pressure, pain, prostate disorders, sinus inflammation, slow heartbeat, tearing, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection Why should this drug not be prescribed: Travatan should not be used during pregnancy. You should also avoid this medication if you are allergic to travoprost, benzalkonium chloride, or any of Travatan's other ingredients. Special warnings about this medication: Infections from contaminated eye products can lead to serious damage or even loss of vision. If you have an eye injury or infection, or if you have eye surgery, ask your doctor if you should continue to use the Travatan container. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop any adverse eye reactions while using Travatan, especially conjunctivitis (pinkeye) and eyelid reactions. Use Travatan with caution if you have a liver or kidney disorder, inflammation of the iris, or swelling of the macular part of the eye. The safety and effectiveness of Travatan in children have not been established. Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication: No interactions have been reported. Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding: Travatan may cause a miscarriage and should never be used by anyone who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Pregnant women should be careful to avoid any contact with the solution. In case of accidental contact, immediately wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water. It is not known whether Travatan appears in breast milk, but caution is advised. Recommended dosage: Place one drop in the affected eye(s) once a day in the evening. Do not apply more often; this will decrease the effectiveness of the medication. Overdosage: There is no information on overdosage. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect a Travatan overdose, seek medical help immediately. |