Lumigan
® (
bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is a prescription medication approved to lower eye pressure in people with the following eye conditions:
(Click Lumigan Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
This medicine is made by Allergan, Inc.
Lumigan belongs to a class of medications known as prostaglandins. The medication works by opening the channels that drain fluid from the eye, helping the excess eye fluid to drain from the eye more easily. By reducing eye pressure, it can help prevent damage to the optic nerve (and the vision loss that accompanies such damage) caused by high eye pressure.
When and How to Take Lumigan
Some general considerations for when and how to take Lumigan include the following:
- This medicine comes in the form of eye drops. It is usually taken once a day in the evening.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before using this drug.
- Gently pull your lower eyelid down with a finger (most people find that their middle fingers work best) to create a small pocket. Without actually touching the dropper to the eye, squeeze the bottle to place one drop into the lower eyelid.
- Keep the bottle free of contamination by avoiding touching the tip to anything, including your eye, hands, or any surfaces.
- If you use other eye drops, make sure to separate Lumigan and your other eye drops by at least five minutes.
- If you wear contacts, remove them before using Lumigan and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
There is only one standard recommended Lumigan dose, regardless of your age or weight. As is always the case, do not adjust your dosage unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Lumigan. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of this drug include, but are not limited to:
- Red eyes
- Increased eyelash growth
- Eye itching
- Dry eyes
- Darkening of the iris (the colored part of the eyes), eye lashes, or eyelids.
(Click Lumigan Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Lumigan?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this medication if you:
- Have an inflammatory eye condition such as iritis or uveitis
- Have any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives
- Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Are breastfeeding.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
It is not known what to expect from an overdose of Lumigan. If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Lumigan Be Stored?
Lumigan should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep it and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Lumigan.
Lumigan comes in one strength --
Lumigan eye drops, containing 0.3 mg of Lumigan per mL of solution. It comes in three different bottle sizes (2.5 mL, 5 mL, and 7.5 mL).
Is There a Generic Version of Lumigan?
Currently, there are no generic versions licensed for sale.
