Angeles Vision Clinic
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HOW COMBIGAN WORKS:
COMBIGAN is the first new combination drug for glaucoma in many years. It combines an apha-blocker Brimonidine with a beta blocker (timolol maleate). This drug is designed to make combination therapy more patient friendly.
It is intended to use when beta blocker therapy alone does not achieve a low enough pressure to maintain ocular health. Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor in visual field loss. The higher the eye pressure the greater the likelihood of optic nerve damage and visual field loss. Cosopt works in a dual method:
First: By decreasing the production of aqueous humor (fluid in the eye) or turning off the faucet.
Second: By increasing the flow of fluid out of the eye or opening the drain.
ADVERSE REACTIONS:
COMBIGAN is contraindicated in patients with:
- hypersensitivity to brimonidine tartrate or any component of this medication.
- It is also contraindicated in patients receiving MAO inhibitor therapy for depression.
- Severe respiratory reactions can occur. This medication should not be used on patients with chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchospastic disease or a history of asthma.
- Heart problems. Patients with a history of cardiac failure, low pulse rate or atrioventricular block should avoid this medication.
- Diabetes Mellitus. Caution should be taken in patients subject to spontaneous hypoglycemia and insulin dependent diabetics.
- Should not be used in patents with Raynaud's Phenomenon
ADDITIONAL SIDE EFFECTS
SYSTEMIC:
- Can include headaches, lethargy, muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, memory loss, difficulty breathing, pulmonary edema, exacerbation of asthma, diarrhea and nausea.
OCULAR:
- The most common ocular complaint is stinging, and the most common systemic complaint was dry mouth but fatigue and drowsiness have also been reported. Most of the above are related to being allergic to the medication. COMBIGAN's effect can diminish with time so regular follow-up from your eye care provider is important.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding:
The effects of COMBIGAN during pregnancy and breastfeeding have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. It is not known whether COMBIGAN makes it way into breast milk. If you are nursing and need to use Cosopt, your eye care doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while using the medication.