Lumigan RC 0.01% Solution

Prescription Required.

Product of Canada.

Shipped from Canada.

Prescription Required.Product of Canada.Shipped from Canada.

Lumigan RC (Bimatoprost)

What is Lumigan RC (Bimatoprost)?

Lumigan drops are prescribed to treat high pressure in the eye resulting from conditions like open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Lumigan drops contain the active ingredient bimatoprost, which belongs to a group of drugs called prostamides. High intraocular pressure poses as a risk for damaging the optic nerve, which leads to significant visual impairment. Bimatoprost regulates fluid flow in the eye to maintain normal pressure. Lumigan drops can also sometimes be used to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes.

Dosage

Lumigan drops are applied once daily directly to the affected eye. Follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. Do not apply more drops than required or more frequently, as this can impair the effectiveness of this medication.

Wash your hands before applying Lumigan drops. Be careful not to touch the tip of the dropper to prevent contamination. Take out contact lenses before applying these eye drops as they can become stained. Wait 15 minutes after eye drop application before replacing your contact lenses.

To apply the drops, tilt your head back and pull down the lower lid to form a pouch. Holding the dropper directly above your eye, carefully place one drop into the pouch. Close your eyes for 1-2 minutes. To prevent the medication from escaping, place one finger in the inner corner of your eye. Be careful not to rub your eye and try not to blink. Replace the cap over the dropper. Do not wash the dropper tip. If you use other eye medication, wait a minimum of five minutes before applying them. Always use eye drops before any eye ointments to allow the drops proper entry.

Use this medication on a regular basis to get the most benefit. Keep using it even if you feel well. Do not share this medication with anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.

Storage

Store Lumigan drops in a place that will not exceed 25°C. Do not allow to freeze. Keep this medication out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use expired medication. Dispose of expired or surplus medication responsibly, following the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist. Do not flush medication down the toilet or pour down the sink.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

All medications come with a risk of side effects. It is important to acknowledge that your doctor has determined your risk of side effects is outweighed by the potential benefit this medication can provide. Lumigan drops are commonly associated with burning or stinging of the eye, redness, dry eyes, watering eyes, or increased light sensitivity. If you experience these symptoms and they concern you, or they worsen or do not resolve on their own, contact your healthcare provider.

Severe Side Effects

Occasionally, Lumigan drops can be associated with severe side effects that should be taken seriously. These include severe pain, swelling and/or redness of the eyelids, and vision changes. If you experience these symptoms seek medical assistance right away.

A severe allergic reaction to Lumigan drops is rare, but not impossible. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to the active ingredient bimatoprost, or any of its constituents. If you notice symptoms such as rash, itching, facial swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

If this medication is used for a prolonged period of time (months to years), it can lead to a brown discoloration of the iris of the affected eye. Additionally, an increase in eyelash number, thickness, and length can occur, as well as eyelash darkening. This can therefore lead to different colored eyes, or heterochromia. Keep a close eye on any changes you observe, and schedule regular eye exams to track these changes.

Warnings & Precautions

Do not use Lumigan drops if you are allergic to the active ingredient bimatoprost or any of the other ingredients. Ensure your doctor is aware of all allergies you have, and if you have a history of allergic reactions to medications. Inform your doctor of your complete personal and family medical history, particularly of eye problems such as macular edema, iritis, uveitis, and aphakia.

If you develop an eye infection, sustain an eye injury, or have eye surgery, consult your doctor before continuing using your open bottle of Lumigan drops. You may need to open a new one.

Lumigan drops can sometimes be associated with temporary vision changes. It is important that you do not operate heavy machinery (including driving) or engage in activities that require clear vision until you know how this drug affects you.

This medication should only be prescribed to pregnant people when it is absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, think you could be pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or do become pregnant while using this medication, consult your doctor on what to do next.

It is not yet known if this drug can pass into breast milk. It is not advised to breast feed while using Lumigan drops without consulting your doctor first.

There are no clinical differences or indications that suggest this medication behaves differently in geriatric patients (>65 years). However, it is not recommended for pediatric use. The safety and efficacy in children has not yet been determined.

Interactions & Contraindications

When two or more medications are taken concurrently, they can interact with one another, changing the way one or more drugs function in the body. This can also lead to unwanted side effects. Therefore, it is important to minimise all drug interactions where possible. Keep a comprehensive list of all the medications you take on a regular basis, including prescription and non-prescription, and share this with your doctor. Do not stop, start, or change the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.

Lumigan drops can interact with eyelash treatments such as topical bimatoprost, as well as latanoprost ophthalmic, tafluprost ophthalmic, and unoprosterone ophthalmic. Lumigan drops are contraindicated in diseases such as renal and liver disease, macular edema, and uveitis. If you are taking these medications or have these conditions, talk to your doctor. They may want to change your medication schedule to accommodate Lumigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lumigan drops are prescription eye drops that contain the active ingredient bimatoprost. This regulates the fluid within the eye to lower intraocular pressure, which is elevated in conditions such as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Intraocular pressure is lowered within four hours of each dose. The full effect is seen in 8-12 hours after each dose. The effects are most consistent when this medication is used daily on a regular basis.

Each bottle of Lumigan drops should be discarded four weeks after opening. Keep using Lumigan for as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop using this medication without first consulting your doctor.

If you miss a dose of Lumigan, take it as soon as you remember. If you remember close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose altogether. Take the following dose according to your medication schedule. Do not take both doses at the same time to catch up.

Lumigan drops should be applied once daily, usually in the evening.

No, Lumigan does not have to be refrigerated. It should be kept between 2-25°C.

People who are allergic to the ingredients of Lumigan drops, and people under 18 years of age should not use Lumigan drops. It is also not recommended for use in people who are pregnant or breast feeding, unless discussed with your doctor.

Lumigan drops have shown to increase the length, thickness, and number of eyelashes in the affected eye. There is some evidence to suggest other places on the body where Lumigan is frequently applied also experience hair growth. However, it should not be used solely for that purpose, unless prescribed.

If you stop using Lumigan drops, the intraocular pressure of the affected eye can increase. Lumigan drops must be used consistently to achieve the full benefit. If you wish to stop using Lumigan drops, talk to your doctor first.

When taken for a prolonged period, Lumigan drops can lead to discoloration in the affected eye. This can also cause pigmentation of the eyelid skin as well as the eyelashes. Iris discoloration is typically seen as browning, leading to heterochromia if the eyes are naturally light. Changes in pigmentation can increase the longer the medication is used.

No, Lumigan drops are only available by prescription. If you are wanting to use it for eyelash growth, there are other over-the-counter eyelash serums you can buy. Talk to your doctor if eyelash growth is a serious issue for you.