Sticking With Your Treatment

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 eyedrop 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 drops each day. Recording the time you take your 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 drops

I can't afford my medication.

Here are some handy tips to help with the cost of medication:

• Are your prescriptions running out too fast? Perhaps you are using more drops than needed. To help prevent wasted eyedrops, try using Xal-Ease™, which you can get by enrolling in the Vision Matters™ program, or by calling 1-866-846-9005. Xal-Ease is an eyedrop applicator that will help your eyedrops hit their mark. Xal-Ease delivers just one drop at a time. By preventing waste you may not have to refill your prescription as often
• Enroll in Vision Matters™ to get a free XALATAN prescription savings card. Use your card to receive up to $10 off each of your next 10 XALATAN prescriptions (for a total of up to $100) or up to $25 off of your next 4 multi-packs of XALATAN (Medicaid and Medicare patients not eligible)
• Visit Pfizer Helpful Answers for information on prescription savings or free medications for patients who qualify
• There are also a number of other programs available to help with medicine costs. Check the programs below to see if you qualify:
  • EyeCare America's Glaucoma Program 1-800-391-EYES (1-800-391-3937)
  • Vision USA 1-800-766-4466
  • Lions Club International 1-630-571-5466 (national office)
  • Together Rx Access™ 1-800-444-4106

I can't get the drops in my eyes.

If you have never used eyedrops 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 eyedrops
• 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 eyedrop 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 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. Treatment for high eye pressure 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