Your doctor may have prescribed you an eye drop called Tafluprost because you have high eye pressure or glaucoma. You may have been a little scared when you saw the name of this medicine. It is normal for many questions to come to mind, such as "What will this do, how do I use it, are there any side effects?" So today, let's find answers to all your questions about this medicine called Tafluprost.
Simply put, what is Tafluprost?
Tafluprost is an eye medication. Its main function is to reduce the pressure inside your eye . Fluid is constantly produced inside our eyes, and the fluid that is produced is drained from the eye. This happens in a cycle. But sometimes, when this fluid is not drained properly, fluid builds up inside the eye, increasing the pressure.
Imagine what happens when you blow too much air into a balloon? The balloon can swell, become hard, and even burst, right? That's what happens when the pressure inside the eye increases. This increased pressure can damage the main nerve that provides vision to the eye, the optic nerve. We call this condition open-angle glaucoma . Tafluprost works by making it easier for the fluid inside the eye to drain, reducing the pressure inside. This prevents damage to the optic nerve and protects your vision.
The most important things to tell your doctor before using the medicine
Before prescribing this medication, your doctor will ask you about certain things. But it is very important for you to inform your doctor about these things as well.
- Tell us about any other eye conditions you currently have, such as vision problems , eye injuries, infections, or swelling.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to Tafluprost or any other medicine, food, or dye in the past.
- If you are pregnant or expecting a baby, tell us about it.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother, you should also tell your doctor about it.
Remember, the more accurate the information you give your doctor about your health condition, the greater the success of the treatment.
How do you use this eye drop correctly?
It is very important to use this medicine correctly. Follow these steps.
1. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. This is very important, otherwise germs on your hands can get into your eyes.
2. Prepare the medicine dropper: Tafluprost usually comes in a single-use unit. It should be used immediately after opening.
3. Correct posture: Sit in a chair or lie down in bed, tilt your head back slightly. Gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger. It will form a small pouch.
4. Add the medicine: Put the number of drops of medicine prescribed by the doctor into the prepared bag. Very important: Do not touch the tip of the medicine container to your eyes, fingertips, or anywhere else. Doing so may contaminate the medicine.
5. Close your eyes: After applying the medicine, slowly close your eyes and wait for a while. Don't close them tightly, just close them slowly. This way, the medicine will spread throughout your eyes.
6. Throw away: Do not reuse the used small container (single-use unit). It is for one-time use only. Be sure to throw it away.
7. Other medications: If you are using another type of eye drop, wait at least 5 minutes after applying this medication before applying the other medication.
Important: Do not take more medication than your doctor tells you to, or take it more often. Also, do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
What if the medication dose increases?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using
- Blurred vision: This medicine may cause some temporary blurring of vision. This is normal. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery until your vision clears.
- Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the medication. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying the medication before putting them back in. Ask your doctor for more information about this.
- Changes in eye, eyelid, and eyebrow color: This is a special side effect of this medication. With continued use of this medication , the color of your iris, the skin around your eyelid, and your eyebrows may darken slightly . Your eyelashes may also become longer and thicker. If you are using the medication in only one eye, this change may be more noticeable when you look at the other eye. These changes may be permanent . So, if you notice any such changes, tell your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this one can have some side effects. But not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic Reactions | Things like skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Vision changes | Persistent blurred vision or other vision changes. |
| Sensitivity to light | Sensitivity to light. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Eye discomfort | Mild burning, pain, or discomfort when applying the medication. |
| Eye color change | Black eye, change in eyelid or eyebrow color. |
| Dry eyes | Dry eye. |
| Other features | Things like eye pain, headache, cough. |
How to store the medicine?
It is also very important to store this medicine properly.
- Unopened pouch: If the foil pouch containing the medicine has not been opened , it should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius.
- Opened packet: After opening the foil packet, it can be kept at room temperature. That is, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. But that is only for 30 days .
- Expiration: Unused medication containers in the opened foil packet must be discarded after 30 days .
- Keep away from children: As with all medicines, keep this one out of the reach of children.
Take-Home Message
- Tafluprost is an important medication for controlling eye pressure (glaucoma). Use it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
- Tell your doctor about all your health conditions and allergies before using the medicine.
- Be aware of side effects such as changes in eye, eyelid, or eyebrow color. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes.
- Use the tip of the medicine container cleanly, without touching it to your eye or anywhere else.
- Store medication correctly. Do not keep an opened package for more than 30 days.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
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