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 is also used to improve fullness, length, and color of the eyelashes in people with a condition called hypotrichosis (HYE-poe-trye-KOE-sis), a lack of eyelash growth. |
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. It is not known whether bimatoprost is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, 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. |
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.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect bimatoprost ophthalmic?
There may be other drugs that can affect bimatoprost ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about bimatoprost ophthalmic.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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