UNOPROSTONE ISOPROPYL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Rescula

GENERIC NAME(S): UNOPROSTONE ISOPROPYL

Description: Unoprostone, a synthetic analogue of dinoprost (prostaglandin F2α), lower pressure in the eye by increasing fluid drianage from the eye.

Uses

Indications:

Unoprostone is used to treat high pressure inside the eyes caused by glaucoma (open-angle type) or other eye diseases (such as ocular hypertension).

This drug has been discontinued.

How to use unoprostone isopropyl ophthalmic

To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any other surface.

If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.

Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the pouch as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2 minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. If directed to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye.

Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.

If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 5 minutesbefore applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Warnings

Please see Precautions section.

Side Effects

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Common side effects:

burning/stinging/itching/irritation of the eyes,
dry eyes,
eyelid swelling,
watery eyes,
dizziness,
headache,
darkening of the eyelids, or
changes in the color/length of eyelashes

This medication may cause a slow, permanent color change to the colored portion of the eye (iris) and surrounding skin. This color change (to brown) may not be noticeable for months or years and the long-term effects are uncertain. Consult your doctor for more details.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

any other eye changes (such as redness/swelling/discharge, sensitivity to light),
eye pain,
vision changes or change in color perception,
sagging eyelids.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Precautions

Precautions:

Allergy: Before using unoprostone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Medical History: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you had: other eye problems (such as macular edema, uveitis, lens extraction/aphakia), eye infections, eye injury or surgeries, contact lens use.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Pregnancy Risk: Category C. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.

Breastfeeding: It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. However, it is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions:

None

Overdose & Brands

Overdose:

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Medical tests (such as eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place either in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Brands:

Also marketed as

Rescula [ Novartis Healthcare ]