Bimatoprost ophthalmic 

What  is the most important information I should know about bimatoprost ophthalmic? 
 
Do not use  this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using bimatoprost before putting your contact lenses in. 

Bimatoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the  eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
 
Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface,  including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection  in your eye,  which can lead to vision  loss or serious damage to the eye. 

After using this medication, wait at least 5 minutes before using any  other eye drops that your doctor  has prescribed. 

What  is bimatoprost ophthalmic? 

Bimatoprost ophthalmic reduces  pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
 
Bimatoprost ophthalmic is used to treat certain types  of glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside  the eye.

Bimatoprost ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. 

What should I discuss with my health care provider before using bimatoprost ophthalmic? 
 
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to bimatoprost. 

Before using bimatoprost, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have swelling or infection of your eye. 

Bimatoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes,  as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually  an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in  the eye being treated. This could result in  a cosmetic difference  in eye or eyelash color from one eye  to the other.
 
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell  your doctor if you are pregnant  or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
 
It is  not known whether bimatoprost passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby.  Do not use this medication without telling  your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. 

How should I use bimatoprost ophthalmic? 
 
Do  not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after  using bimatoprost before putting  your contact lenses in. 

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use  the medication in larger amounts,  or use it for longer than recommended by  your doctor. Follow  the instructions on  your prescription label. 

Wash  your hands before using  the eye drops.
To apply  the eye drops:
Tilt  your head back slightly and  pull down on  the lower eyelid  to create a small pocket. Hold  the dropper above  the eye with  the dropper tip down. Look up  and away from  the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your  eye. Gently press your finger to  the inside corner  of the eye (near  the nose)  for about 1 minute  to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct. 
If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting  in the next drop. Also wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.
  
Do not allow  the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes  or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated  it could cause an infection in  your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. 
 
At any time during  your use of bimatoprost ophthalmic, tell your  doctor at once if you have an eye injury, if you develop an eye infection,  or if you plan to have eye surgery. 
 
Do not use  the eye drops if the liquid changes colors or has particles in it.
  
Store the drops  at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not  in use. 

What happens if I miss a dose? 

Use  the medication as soon as you remember. If it  is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine  to make up  the missed dose. 

What happens if  I overdose? 
 
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. 

An overdose of bimatoprost ophthalmic used in the eyes is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms. 

What should I avoid while using bimatoprost ophthalmic? 
 
Avoid using too much of this medication, which can actually make it less effective in lowering the pressure inside the eye. 

Avoid using any eyedrop medicine that has not been prescribed by  your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of bimatoprost ophthalmic? 
 
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of  your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
 
Stop using bimatoprost ophthalmic and call  your doctor at once if  you have any of these serious side effects: 

• redness, swelling, itching, or pain in or around your eye; 
• oozing or discharge from your eye; 
• increased sensitivity to light; 
• vision changes. 
• Less serious side effects may include: 
• mild eye discomfort; 
• dizziness;
• feeling like something is in your eye; 
• dry or watery eyes; or 
• Stinging or burning of the eyes after using the drops.