Has your doctor prescribed you an eye drop called Netarsudil because you have high eye pressure or glaucoma? It's normal to have some questions and concerns about this medication. You may be wondering things like, "How do I use this properly?" and "Will there be any side effects?" Don't worry, we'll talk about this medication in simple terms today.
What exactly is Netarsudil?
Simply put, Netarsudil is a medicine that helps reduce the pressure inside your eye, or 'eye pressure' in our language. We medically call this condition Glaucoma . If the pressure in the eye continues to be high, the optic nerve in the eye can be damaged, and over time, vision can gradually be lost. So this eye drop helps control that pressure and protect your precious vision. Your doctor may have given you this under the brand name RHOPRESSA .
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important to have a very open discussion with your doctor before starting this medication. It is essential for your safety. If any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you currently have an eye infection or any injury .
- If you wear contact lenses .
- If you have an allergic reaction to this Netarsudil medicine or to benzalkonium chloride, which is contained in it. Also, if you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or dyes, tell us about it.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
The most important thing is to give the doctor a complete list of all medications (other eye drops, pills), vitamins, and traditional medicines (herbs) you are taking.
How to use eye drops correctly?
To get the full benefit of the medicine, you need to apply it correctly. Let's see how to do it exactly. Follow these steps.
1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap . This is very important.
2. Tilt your head back slightly and gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger. This will create a small pouch between the eyelid and the eye.
3. Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper to your eye, finger, or anywhere else . Doing so can introduce germs into the bottle and cause infection.
4. Put just one drop of medicine into the prepared bag.
5. Close your eyes slowly. Do not blink or rub your eyes with your hands . Doing so may cause the medicine to leak out.
6. Hold the medicine in your eye for a while, gently pressing the inside corner of your eye with your finger for about a minute. This will also stop the medicine from going down the tear duct into your throat.
7. Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals as directed by the doctor. Do not use more than prescribed .
What if I accidentally overdose on medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. But go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, do not take it as soon as you remember. Skip that dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two drops to make up for a missed dose .
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Medical exams: Be sure to go to your doctor's appointments to have your eye pressure checked.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying the medication before putting your lenses back in.
- Other Eye Drops: If you need to use another type of eye drop, put one in and wait at least 5 minutes before putting in the other.
- Do not share: This medicine is for you only. Do not let anyone else use it for any reason .
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this can cause minor side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Don't be afraid, but it's important to be aware of this.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision or other changes. |
| Persistent eye pain | Severe eye pain. |
| Eye swelling or infection | Swelling, redness, or discharge from the eyes or eyelids. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome: | |
| Burning sensation in the eye | Mild burning, tingling, or discomfort immediately after applying the medicine. |
| Redness of the eyes | Red eyes after applying the medicine. |
| Tears flowing from the eyes | Tears coming out of the eyes more than normal. |
How do you store the medicine bottle properly?
It is very important to store this medicine properly, especially out of the reach of children .
- Until opened: Store the bottle in the refrigerator , i.e. at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C.
- After opening: After opening the bottle, you can store it in the refrigerator or at room temperature (room temperature - 2°C to 25°C) for up to 6 weeks .
- Expiration Date: Be sure to discard any medicine left after the expiration date printed on the bottle has passed.
Take-Home Message
- Netarsudil is a medicine used to treat glaucoma and high pressure in the eye. This helps protect your vision.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you are taking.
- When applying the eye drops, follow the instructions exactly, without touching the tip of the bottle to your eye or anywhere else.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as eye pain, vision changes, or allergic reactions, seek medical advice immediately.
- Store the medicine bottle properly and discard it after it has expired. This medicine bottle is for you only, do not share it with others.
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