Travatan is a prostaglandin analog. It works to reduce pressure in the eye by increasing the amount of fluid that drains from the eye.
Travatan is used to treat increased pressure in the eye (ocular hypertension) and open-angle glaucoma in patients who cannot use or do not respond to other medicines.
Travatan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Travatan may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
Do not allow the Travatan dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
After using Travatan, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.
Before using Travatan
Do not use Travatan if you are allergic to travoprost.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have swelling or infection of your eye.
Travatan may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Travatan is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Travatan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use Travatan without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
How should I use Travatan?
Use Travatan exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use Travatan in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
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Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
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If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop. Also wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.
Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye. At any time during your use of Travatan, tell your doctor at once if you have an eye injury, if you develop an eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery. Do not use the eye drops if the liquid changes colors or has particles in it. Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use Travatan as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and use Travatan at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much Travatan.
An overdose of Travatan used in the eyes is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What should I avoid?
Avoid using too much Travatan, which can actually make it less effective in lowering the pressure inside the eye.
Avoid using any eyedrop medicine that has not been prescribed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Travatan?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Travatan and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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redness, swelling, itching, or pain in or around your eye;
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oozing or discharge from your eye; or
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increased sensitivity to light;
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vision changes.
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chest pain.
Less serious Travatan side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Travatan?
There may be other drugs that can affect Travatan. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
