Latanoprost: uses, appearance and warnings

Latanoprost ophthalmic solution is indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution is a prostaglandin F 2α analogue indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. ( 1 )

Ophthalmic solution containing latanoprost 50 mcg/mL (0.005%). Ophthalmic solution containing latanoprost 50 mcg/mL (0.005%). ( 3 )

Latanoprost ophthalmic solution is a clear, isotonic, buffered, preserved colorless solution of latanoprost 50 mcg/mL (0.005%). It is supplied as a 2.5 mL fill in a 5 mL three-piece natural low density polyethylene S design container with natural low density polyethylene S design open nozzle and turquoise color high density polyethylene S design cap with TSTR-Tear off ring. 2.5 mL fill, 50 mcg/mL (0.005%): Package of 1 bottle: NDC 42571-499-06 Storage: Protect from light. Store unopened bottle(s) under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). During shipment to the patient, the bottle may be maintained at temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) for a period not exceeding 8 days. Once a bottle is opened for use, it may be stored at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for 6 weeks.

Known hypersensitivity to latanoprost, benzalkonium chloride, or any other ingredients in this product. Known hypersensitivity to latanoprost, benzalkonium chloride, or any other ingredients in this product. ( 4 )

• Pigmentation : Pigmentation of the iris, periorbital tissue (eyelid) and eyelashes can occur. Iris pigmentation likely to be permanent. ( 5.1 ) • Eyelash Changes: Gradual change to eyelashes including increased length, thickness and number of lashes. Usually reversible. ( 5.2 ) 5.1 Pigmentation Latanoprost ophthalmic solution has been reported to cause changes to pigmented tissues. The most frequently reported changes have been increased pigmentation of the iris, periorbital tissue (eyelid), and eyelashes. Pigmentation is expected to increase as long as latanoprost is administered. The pigmentation change is due to increased melanin content in the melanocytes rather than to an increase in the number of melanocytes. After discontinuation of latanoprost, pigmentation of the iris is likely to be permanent, while pigmentation of the periorbital tissue and eyelash changes have been reported to be reversible in some patients. Patients who receive treatment should be informed of the possibility of increased pigmentation. Beyond 5 years the effects of increased pigmentation are not known [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. Iris color change may not be noticeable for several months to years. Typically, the brown pigmentation around the pupil spreads concentrically towards the periphery of the iris and the entire iris or parts of the iris become more brownish. Neither nevi nor freckles of the iris appear to be affected by treatment. While treatment with latanoprost can be continued in patients who develop noticeably increased iris pigmentation, these patients should be examined regularly. 5.2 Eyelash Changes Latanoprost ophthalmic solution may gradually change eyelashes and vellus hair in the treated eye; these changes include increased length, thickness, pigmentation, the number of lashes or hairs, and misdirected growth of eyelashes. Eyelash changes are usually reversible upon discontinuation of treatment. 5.3 Intraocular Inflammation Latanoprost ophthalmic solution should be used with caution in patients with a history of intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis) and should generally not be used in patients with active intraocular inflammation because inflammation may be exacerbated. 5.4 Macular Edema Macular edema, including cystoid macular edema, has been reported during treatment with latanoprost ophthalmic solution. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution should be used with caution in aphakic patients, in pseudophakic patients with a torn posterior lens capsule, or in patients with known risk factors for macular edema. 5.5 Herpetic Keratitis Reactivation of herpes simplex keratitis has been reported during treatment with latanoprost ophthalmic solution. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution should be used with caution in patients with a history of herpetic keratitis. Latanoprost ophthalmic solution should be avoided in cases of active herpes simplex keratitis because inflammation may be exacerbated. 5.6 Bacterial Keratitis There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of multiple-dose containers of topical ophthalmic products. These containers had been inadvertently contaminated by patients who, in most cases, had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial surface. 5.7 Contact Lens Use Latanoprost ophthalmic solution contains benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed prior to the administration of latanoprost ophthalmic solution, and may be reinserted 15 minutes after administration.

The following adverse reactions were reported in postmarketing experience and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: • Iris pigmentation changes [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Eyelid skin darkening [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Eyelash changes (increased length, thickness, pigmentation, and number of lashes) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Macular edema, including cystoid macular edema [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Most common adverse reactions (5 to 15%) from clinical trials are blurred vision, burning and stinging, conjunctival hyperemia, foreign body sensation, itching, increased pigmentation of the iris, and punctate keratitis. …