FDA Approves New Bimatoprost Solution for Glaucoma Treatment

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that the new bimatoprost 0.01% ophthalmic solution has received approval for use in treating increased intraocular pressure in open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients. The medication is produced by Allergan and will be sold under the name Lumigan.

Allergan has been marketing a 0.03% formulation of Lumigan for years. The new formulation will provide patients with an alternative that achieves comparable results while exposing them to one third of the dosage. A study has shown the 0.01% solution to lower intraocular pressure by up to 7.5 mm Hg from an average baseline of 23.5 mm Hg compared to an 8 mm Hg reduction achieved by the 0.03% formulation.

The primary advantage of using the new 0.01% bimatoprost solution is a significant reduction in adverse side effects including:

• Hyperemia
  
• Eyelash growth
  
• Ocular pruritus
  
• Pigmentation changes in the iris, eyelid, and eyelashes
  

The new 0.01% formulation has also been shown to improve tolerability of the treatment among patients. This is evidenced by a substantially lower discontinuation rate after one year of usage – 8.1% for 0.01% solution patients compared with 13.4% for 0.03% solution patients.

Lumigan 0.01% will be available to patients who have a valid prescription before the close of the 2010 calendar year.

Please contact the LASIK Directory today to find an experienced ophthalmologist in your area.