Latanaprost

Hi, been on Latanoprost for narrow angle glaucoma since mid 2018 - using the Monoprost version with no preservatives. From my checking all Glaucoma drops, they "all" can have side effects. The possible side effects are listed in the pamphlet comes withe the drops or Internet. I have been told by top drs. in this field of medicine not to stop the drops for even one night! Regardless, is stopping a med for one week going to prove anything? Perhaps it will... be curious to read if you decide to do what your dr suggests - but is he an ophthalmologist? (In 2021 I did have Iridotomy to both eyes suppose to help if eye pressure is raised - but still have to take the drops for rest of my life!

I have been using Lantanoprost for about five years. I get chills and fatigue too, but never suspected it might be caused by Lantanoprost. And yes, I was told not to miss a dose. How advanced is your glaucoma and how high is your pressure? My last pressure readings were 16 and 17. I have forgotten to use my drops a few times over the years. I don’t think it really increased or damaged my eyes. Be sure you consult with opthomolgists for answers before you stop using the drops.

Hi,
I was getting chills daily after starting Lantanoprost about a year ago and I still get them but not as bad. I'm in the early stages of Glaucoma but my opthomologist said one eye was
progressing a bit more than the other eye even though my pressure was fine. Now I'm worried about that. When I asked him if I could try the Preservative free drops to see if I felt better on those he wanted me to stop my drops for a week to see if my side effects went away. I was shocked to hear that because I know it's very risky to miss taking the drops for even a day! I'm not going to stop taking them! I feel I need to find another doctor.

Good. Finding a new doctor would be the right thing to do. I try never to miss the drops. Keep in touch.

...even some doctors and pharmacists even, do not realize that eye drops go into our bodies; I even had one pharmacist tell me knot to worry as meds stay in eyes which is simply not true! So eyedrops like any other meds , when stopped, possibly can go into withdrawal but my spouse on 17 meds, often returns from appointment with 3 chagnes to meds overnight, no tapering off, no nothing... our poor bodies. Take care and I have only been able to research via Internet but seems every type of Glaucoma drop has possible side effects including depression! Best of luck in the future J.

Interesting to see the various comments for Latanoprost - I had no idea that there were any real risks using it. I've had diagnosed glaucoma for about 10 years. I originally used Travatan, but switched to Latanoprost because of cost and the assurance that it was equally effective treating glaucoma. It seems to do a good job lowering my eye pressure. But, about 3 years ago, my opthamologist detected optic nerve injury (not noticed by me) that hasn't progressed in that time. About 6 months ago, he also detected a new injury - a bleeding vein along the optic nerve. Fortunately, since then, it has stopped bleeding, and the residue is being absorbed into the eye tissue. With the concerns all of you have voiced, I have learned something new and will be on the alert for them and for other symptoms. As my circumstances change, I'll be on Connect to advise all who are interested. And, at the risk of making a ill-considered joke, I'm so hot-natured, I would love to have a chill now and then, but don't want the fatigue...

How long have you been using Monoprpst? How expensive is it?

Hi been using Monoprost since mid 2018 nightly. It is sort of the preservative free version of Latanoprost and comes in box, within the box small tinfoil packages each containing several separate vials which are opened each night... because it contains no preservative they have to ensure it stays sterile. I would really like to change to another Glaucoma drop but reading each one - the good, the bad, and the ugly, seems each one has "cons." I am in Canada. Thankfully I still have prescription coverage from my last job which continued after retirement, my spouse's coverage ended the day he retired but again thankful he then was covered under mine! So I get 2 boxes of 30 individual doses in each box every 60 days; they show the cost as $44.60 for 2 boxes: dispensing fee 11.99 for a total of $56.59 Canadian. The Insurance Company pays 48.23 of that amount and I pay $8.36 - Optometrist prescribes. There are a lot of side effects, as other drops, but don't have much choice with narrow angle Glaucoma. Have history of twice laser for vitreous issues 2007/8. Optometrist allows me to phone and go in and front staff take puffer test to check eye pressure in between regular visits. Cannot buy Monoprost "over the counter." My other cost is dry eye drops, preservative free and I have tried almost every brand over the years and they help at first but then I have to change, presently Refresh Plus seems to leave my eyes feeling bit sticky so ready for a change. Since I had antibiotic June 14 now I am seeing thousands of tiny tiny squiggles and my floaters seem to have increased a bit, am quite concerned abut it plus it is affecting looking at computer screen a bit... fortunate are those with no "eye problems" but as they say, it could be worse!

Thanks for the reply:
Monoprost was just approved by the FDA here in the states. I would be interested in using it. Preservative are known to be a contributing factor in dry eye.
I think if my doctor writes me a script I may be able to get it filled either mail order or just hop across the boarder since I’m in Buffalo NY.
From what I’ve read there are as a couple of other popular glaucoma drop that are also preservative, not yet available in the states.
I’d be willing to pay out of pocket for them.

I stopped and had no ill effects. My pressures were always low before and stayed low after I stopped. It is a relief to stop. It seems common for some doctors to prescribe medication just because it might help with no concern for what it may interact with or what side effects could lead to serious problems or even if is needed. No patient should be a sheep these days.