Latanaprost

Posted by mabbs24 @mabbs24, Jul 10, 2023

I was recently diagnosed with Glaucoma and have been using Latanoprost. I have been having side effects such as chills and fatigue that I read can be caused by the preservative. I called my doctor to ask if I can try the non-preservative drops. He wants me to completely stop the drops I've been using for a week and see if the side effects subside. I am really shocked because I believe it's a risk to even miss one dose! Has anyone ever heard that before?

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... oh johungate3 I would like to stop taking but am too worried about high eye pressure/loss of vision. I did have iridotomies to both eyes a few years ago but they say i still have to use the drops forever , which I still do not quite understand.... and i dare not take many medications that can raise eye pressure... maybe if i had a pressure testing machine at home and could check it often but I dont think they have for home use? but I also read that high eye pressure does not mean someone has glaucoma, and that low eye pressure does not mean they don't: so complicated! J.

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@lacy2

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!

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I have read that the “puffer”
eye pressure test is not as accurate as the other kind.

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@raye

I have read that the “puffer”
eye pressure test is not as accurate as the other kind.

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I think you are correct, but that the puffer is quicker and , at least where I go, the front staff do it ... not sure if optometrist has to do the other type.

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MONOPROST / Latanoprost I am a bit confused today and actually concerned as using Monoprost since 2018 ... as it is a no preservative single use drop similar to Latanoprost which has a preservative BAK.... but reading today how bad the BAK preservative in Latanoprost is; so have been glad I am using Monoprost with no preservative.... then I double check today and it says that Monoprost "contains" Latanoprost! (and Latanoprost has a preservative) So am going to phone pharmacist tomorrow as I do not want and never did want to use drops with BAK in. Surely this is confusing... Monoprost says it is preservative free yet if it contains Latanoprost which has a preservative..., what does this mean; well seems not available in USA , the Monoprost, but if I find out more info I can put here..... may contact the manufacturer Theo - what is the old saying: a little learning is a dangerous thing? Hope I am wrong in my interpretation as re reading the enclosed pamphlet it says Monoprost contains Latanoprost! Ugh

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@lacy2

MONOPROST / Latanoprost I am a bit confused today and actually concerned as using Monoprost since 2018 ... as it is a no preservative single use drop similar to Latanoprost which has a preservative BAK.... but reading today how bad the BAK preservative in Latanoprost is; so have been glad I am using Monoprost with no preservative.... then I double check today and it says that Monoprost "contains" Latanoprost! (and Latanoprost has a preservative) So am going to phone pharmacist tomorrow as I do not want and never did want to use drops with BAK in. Surely this is confusing... Monoprost says it is preservative free yet if it contains Latanoprost which has a preservative..., what does this mean; well seems not available in USA , the Monoprost, but if I find out more info I can put here..... may contact the manufacturer Theo - what is the old saying: a little learning is a dangerous thing? Hope I am wrong in my interpretation as re reading the enclosed pamphlet it says Monoprost contains Latanoprost! Ugh

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I think it has the chemicals of Latanoprost but not the BAK.

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@beehive54 thanks for that info I just got off phone with pharmacy clerk and she basically said the same thing, but I sure was confused for a while....especially since I have sort of vouched for the fact Monoprost has no preservative, then to read recently that it contains Latanoprost and on my pharmacy receipt actually says Monoprost/Latanoprost I was surprised... especially since recently after taking an antibiotic I seem to have "visual snow" and wondered if a link, but have used these drops for 5 yrs. Wonder why Latanoprost then still manufactures drops named Latanoprost ... with benzalkonium chloride preservative in , considering its bad effects esp. on eyes? I still think would like to make a change but seems most glaucoma drops have their own set of side effects.... "it it what it is" as they say! J.

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@lacy2

@beehive54 thanks for that info I just got off phone with pharmacy clerk and she basically said the same thing, but I sure was confused for a while....especially since I have sort of vouched for the fact Monoprost has no preservative, then to read recently that it contains Latanoprost and on my pharmacy receipt actually says Monoprost/Latanoprost I was surprised... especially since recently after taking an antibiotic I seem to have "visual snow" and wondered if a link, but have used these drops for 5 yrs. Wonder why Latanoprost then still manufactures drops named Latanoprost ... with benzalkonium chloride preservative in , considering its bad effects esp. on eyes? I still think would like to make a change but seems most glaucoma drops have their own set of side effects.... "it it what it is" as they say! J.

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It’s definitely cheaper, Latsnapier can be multi dosed. Those single vials can really dictated the cost

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Hi again... yes the eye drops with preservative in can be in a multi use bottle, but if they do not have preservatives in have to be in single-use vials because once opened, germs can get in and if no preservative the rest of the bottle could be affected. I have some p.n. in fingers so single use is best for me as I am inclined to put the lids of bottles down or drop them or touch the end of the bottle with fingers etc. The individual dosage ones are handy if visiting overnight can just take one for that night .... but together with dry eye drops etc. you are right, the $$$ does add up and am thankful I have insurance plan from work.

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....I heard from manufacturer and was told, correct, Monoprost does not have BAK, whew!

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