I have trouble remembering to use my drops every day.
If you have trouble remembering to use your drops, you aren't alone. It can take
awhile to get into a routine. But most people find that it gets easier over time.
Here are some tips for remembering your drops:
- Write a note to yourself where you will see it each evening. A note on your bathroom
mirror or on your bedroom door might do the trick. One XALATAN user uses a dry erase
marker to draw a cartoon reminder on his bathroom mirror. That's one fun way to
remember!
- Call your answering machine or voicemail to leave a message for yourself. Or you
can set up an e-mail reminder
- Pair your XALATAN drops with something you do every night. For example, when you
brush your teeth, check the locks, or walk your dog before bed, make that your eye drop
time. It will make using eyedrops a part of your regular routine
- Do you have a lot of prescriptions? Is it hard to keep track of them all? Try color
coding your bottles. Use colored dots, available at stationery or office supply
stores, to label your medicines. Use 1 color for morning medicines, 1 for evening,
and so on. It may make using your medicines easier; at a glance you can see which
medicines you need to take at a given time of day
- Print out a copy of our helpful eye pressure tracker.
It has a section for you to record the time you use your eye drops each day. Recording
the time you take your eye drops may help you get into the habit of using them each
day
- Join Vision Matters™ and sign up
for a free 14-day automated reminder call program to help you get into the habit
of using your eye drops
I can't get the drops in my eyes.
If you have never used eye drops before, you may find it a little tricky at first.
Don't worry—most people find that it gets much easier as time goes on. Try
some of these tips:
- Read the page on How to Use XALATAN for instructions
on using eye drops
- If you tend to miss your eye, try turning your head to the side, or lying down.
Then place a drop in the inner corner of your eyelid, and open your eye slowly.
The drop should roll right into your eye
- If you tend to blink before the drop hits your eye, try looking to the side rather
than straight at the dropper
- If you aren't sure that you are getting the drop into your eye, try placing the
bottle in the fridge before use. You will be able to tell where the drop ended up
since it will be cool
- If your hand is shaking, try resting your hand on your face—this may help
steady your hand. If that doesn't work, try wearing a light wrist weight
- Get a free Xal-Ease™ device by signing up for the
Vision Matters™ program or by calling 1-866-846-9005. Xal-Ease is an easy-to-use
eye drop applicator for XALATAN. Learn more about Xal-Ease
I forget to refill my prescription.
Many people have trouble remembering to refill their prescriptions. But it is very
important to get your refills on time. Here are some tips for keeping your prescriptions
filled:
- Ask at your pharmacy if they have an automatic refill program. Many pharmacies now
have free programs where they will automatically refill your prescriptions and call
you when they are ready
- Does your insurance plan have a mail-order pharmacy? Many plans have mail order
options that will send you a 3-month supply of your prescriptions. These programs
are convenient and you will have to refill less often
- XALATAN is available in a 3-bottle multi-pack. Ask your doctor about the multi-pack.
More XALATAN means fewer refills per year
- Make a note on your calendar, or set a reminder in your e-mail. When you fill your
prescription, set or write a reminder for the next one. Be sure to plan to refill
early if you are going on vacation; it is important not to miss any drops
I'm worried about side effects.
Like all medicines, XALATAN can have side effects. These side effects are usually
mild and tolerable and may include blurred vision, burning and stinging, eye redness,
the feeling of something in the eye, eye itching, increased pigmentation (darkening)
of eye color, or irritation of the clear front surface of the eye.
XALATAN may slowly cause darkening of the eye color due to increased brown color,
darkening of the eyelid and eyelashes, and increased growth and thickness of eyelashes.
Color changes can increase as long as XALATAN is administered and eye color changes
are likely to be permanent.
There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated with the use of multiple-dose
containers of topical ophthalmic products.
I don't have any symptoms. Why should I use XALATAN eye drops every day?
High eye pressure is a silent condition. It usually doesn't hurt and, early on,
glaucoma shows no symptoms. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't treat it. Damage
to the optic nerve can still be happening, even though you don't know it.
If you have high eye pressure, it is important to treat it as your doctor instructs.
Once damage is done, it can't be reversed. The good news is, just 1 drop of XALATAN
a day in each affected eye can help control eye pressure.
Even though you can't feel a change, it is important to take your XALATAN every
day as prescribed by your physician. Print out our
eye pressure tracker and take it to your next appointment. It will help
you see how your treatment is working.
XALATAN is your partner in the fight against high eye pressure, which can lead to
glaucoma. Take control of your eye health and learn more about
How XALATAN Works.
When I was first diagnosed I was so scared. Will I become blind? What can I do about
it?
It is normal to be overwhelmed when you first get your diagnosis. While high eye
pressure is a serious condition, it can be treated. XALATAN is your partner in the
battle against high eye pressure which can lead to glaucoma. Learning about XALATAN,
high eye pressure, and glaucoma is a great way to take control of your eye health
and ease some of your fears. Here are some tips:
- High eye pressure is a serious condition that can lead to glaucoma, but it can be
treated. By starting treatment early, you may reduce the risk of nerve damage and
vision loss. Read some information about Glaucoma and
Eye Pressure
- Don't wait; take control now and get treated. High eye pressure treatment can
be easy with XALATAN. Just 1 drop a day in each affected eye can help control
your eye pressure and may reduce the risk of vision loss. Taking control of your
health is empowering and may put your mind at ease. Learn more about
How to Use XALATAN
