Common Questions

Your doctor is the best source of information about eye pressure and glaucoma. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about XALATAN or your eye health.

How do I use XALATAN?

Place 1 drop in each affected eye every evening. Instructions on how to use XALATAN are here.

How should I store XALATAN?

Refrigerate XALATAN until you open it. Once opened, your sample or prescription XALATAN may be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F) for 6 weeks.

What should I do if I forget to use my XALATAN?

If you forget to use XALATAN 1 day, apply the next drop as usual the next day. Don't try to catch up by using 2 drops the next day.

How do I know if my eyedrops are working?

High eye pressure and glaucoma usually have no obvious symptoms in early stages. That means you may not notice any change when you use XALATAN. But that doesn't mean it isn't working to lower your eye pressure.

Your eye doctor will probably check your eye pressure after you have started using XALATAN. If your eye pressure has dropped, the drug is working. Your doctor will ask you to come in for regular checkups every 3 to 6 months to make sure XALATAN continues to reduce your eye pressure. Learn more about how XALATAN works.

Is there a device that will help me apply my XALATAN drops more easily?

Yes. Xal-Ease™ is a free, easy-to-use eyedrop applicator. It was made to help you more easily open your bottle and apply your XALATAN eyedrops.

To get a free Xal-Ease eyedrop dispenser mailed to you, join the Vision Matters™ program, or call 1-866-846-9005.

I use several different eyedrop medicines. Can I put them all in at the same time?

No. You should generally wait at least 5 minutes between using XALATAN and another eyedrop. As always, please talk to your doctor. Instructions on how to use XALATAN are here.

I wear contacts. Do I need to take them out before I put the drops of XALATAN in?

Yes, you do. You should also wait 15 minutes after you put in the drop before you replace the contact lens in that eye. Instructions on how to use XALATAN are here.

Once my eye pressure is under control, can I stop using XALATAN?

Don't stop using XALATAN once your eye pressure is under control unless told to by your eye doctor. It's important that you continue to keep your eye pressure down. Daily use of XALATAN can help. Learn more about how XALATAN works.

Can my glaucoma be cured?

Glaucoma is a progressive disease. It has no known cure. No treatment can reverse vision loss that has already occurred. But studies show eye pressure–lowering drugs may help slow the disease. Be sure to schedule regular visits to your doctor so your eye pressure can be watched. Follow-up treatment is important because glaucoma can get worse without your knowing it. Remember, you need to be an active player in your health care. Keeping your eye pressure under control is only possible with your help.

Are there side effects while using XALATAN?

Like all medicines, XALATAN can have side effects. They are usually mild and tolerable. The most common ones are blurred vision, burning and stinging, eye redness, the feeling that something is in the eye, eye itching, and irritation of the clear front part of the eye. In trials lasting 6 months, these were reported in 5% to 15% of the patients. You can read detailed information on side effects here.

What about eye color changes?

XALATAN can cause changes in eye color. The iris, which is the colored part of the eye, may darken. This is due to an increase of brown color. These changes may be more noticeable in patients with more than 1 color in their eyes (such as green-brown or blue-brown). Also, XALATAN can cause darkening of the eyelid and the eyelashes. It also can increase eyelash growth in the treated eye. Color changes can increase while using XALATAN. Eye color changes are likely to be permanent. In clinical studies, color changes did not increase after people stopped using XALATAN. You can read detailed information on side effects here.

Can I buy more than 1 bottle of XALATAN at a time, so I don't have to go back to the pharmacy every month?

Yes. XALATAN is available in a 3-bottle multi-pack.

Many pharmacies will give you a discount when you buy it this way. It may also lower your insurance co-pay expense by requiring only 1 co-pay (instead of 3). Check with your insurance provider.

I am having difficulties placing the XALATAN bottle in the Xal-Ease™ applicator. How is it done?

Wash your hands well with soap and water. Take just the clear winged overcap off the bottle of XALATAN by twisting it just a little so the overcap breaks. Throw away the overcap and place the bottle into the opening in the back of Xal-Ease.

Make sure the bottle is all the way in the Xal-Ease and turn the applicator so the turquoise cap on the bottle is facing you. Learn more about using Xal-Ease.

Can I leave drops in the Xal-Ease applicator?

Yes, you can leave the XALATAN bottle in the Xal-Ease applicator until all the drops have been used. Learn more about using Xal-Ease.

How often should I replace my Xal-Ease eyedrop applicator?

Every carton of Xal-Ease has an expiration date on it. Xal-Ease should be replaced by that date. It should also be replaced if it is not working properly.

Before that time, simply replace your empty bottle of XALATAN with a new one.

How do I get a new Xal-Ease eyedrop applicator?

You can receive a new or replacement applicator for free by calling 1-866-846-9005. If you are not already a member of Vision Matters, visit the Vision Matters page to register for free and receive your welcome kit with Xal-Ease applicator.