2. What should I know before I use Simbrinza?
Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Simbrinza or any of the ingredients
listed at the end of the CMI.
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, take any other medicines,
or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with Simbrinza and affect how it works.
4. How do I use Simbrinza?
Follow the instructions carefully provided by your doctor.
Use one drop of Simbrinza in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) twice daily.
5. What should I know while using Simbrinza?
|
Things you should do
|
Remind any doctor, dentist, pharmacist or specialist you visit that you are using
Simbrinza.
Remove soft contact lenses before using Simbrinza.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any signs of an allergic reaction.
|
|
Things you should not do
|
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly.
Do not give Simbrinza to anyone else, even if they seem to have the same condition
as you.
Do not use Simbrinza in children and adolescents aged up to 17 years.
|
|
Driving or using machines
|
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools or perform tasks requiring
mental alertness and/or physical coordination until you know how Simbrinza affects
you.
|
|
Drinking alcohol
|
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
|
|
Looking after your medicine
|
Store below 25 °C
Do not freeze
|
6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects include eye pain, dry eye, eye swelling, eye discharge, vision
problems, blurred vision, tiredness.
Eye Drops
Active ingredients:
Brinzolamide 1% and brimonidine tartrate 0.2%
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Simbrinza. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using Simbrinza.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Simbrinza?
Simbrinza contains the active ingredients Brinzolamide and brimonidine tartrate. Brinzolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and brimonidine tartrate is an alpha
2 adrenergic receptor agonist.
Simbrinza is used to
treat certain types of eye conditions such as high pressure inside your eye (ocular
hypertension) and open angle glaucoma (an eye condition caused by fluid buildup that
damages the optic nerve).
Simbrinza helps in reducing eye pressure within the eye by reducing the production
of fluid.
2. What should I know before I use Simbrinza?
Warnings
Do not use Simbrinza:
If you are allergic to Brinzolamide and brimonidine tartrate or other sulphonamides
or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. Always check the ingredients
to make sure you can use this medicine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include
shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other
parts of the body, rash, hives.
If you are taking any antidepressant medicines including monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor
therapy or other antidepressant medications (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants and mianserin)
If you have symptoms such as headache, lack of energy, vomiting and feeling sick
In children and adolescents aged up to 17 years ie do not use in children under 2
years old and do not use in children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years.
If you suffer from severe kidney diseases.
Check with your doctor if you:
suffer from acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms include severe eye pain, vision
loss, headache, redness.
take any medicines for any other condition
have diabetes
have heart problems
suffer from depression
have symptoms such as tiredness, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
have any problems with your blood vessels such as Raynaud's disease, a condition characterized
by skin colour changes, affected part feels cold or numb, skin ulcers, or Buerger
disease, symptoms include pain in hands or feet, coldness, numbness.
have low blood pressure problems, symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness
suffer from any liver, kidney problems.
have any skin rash, problems with your skin
have any problems with your cornea.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
Your doctor will advise you regarding the possible risks and benefits of using Simbrinza
during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Your doctor will advise you regarding the possible risks and benefits of using Simbrinza
during breastfeeding.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with Simbrinza and affect how it works.
Tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines:
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide, methazolamide and dorzolamide.
Digoxin, a medicine used to treat heart failure.
Anti-inflammatory medicines, e.g. salicylates, ibuprofen or aspirin.
Other medicines or eye drops for glaucoma.
Drugs used to treat high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g. isoprenaline, prazosin)
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, or other antidepressants including amitriptyline,
nortriptyline, clomipramine and mianserin
CNS depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, opiates, sedatives or anaesthetics.
Chlorpromazine, methylphenidate, reserpine
Antiviral or antibiotics e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, clotrimazole ritonavir and
troleandomycin.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect Simbrinza.
4. How do I use Simbrinza?
How much to use
Follow the instructions provided and use Simbrinza until your doctor tells you to
stop.
Use one drop of Simbrinza in the conjunctival sac of the affected eye(s) twice daily.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
If you are being changed from one eye drop to another, follow your doctor’s instructions
carefully as to when to stop the old drops and when to start the new drops.
When to use Simbrinza
Simbrinza should be used at about the same time every day unless your doctor tells
you otherwise.
How to use Simbrinza
Sitting or lying down might make the process simpler.
Remove contact lenses if you are wearing them before using the eye drops.
Shake the bottle well prior to use.
Follow the steps below to use Simbrinza:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Before using a bottle for the first time, break the safety seal around the neck area
and throw the loose plastic ring away.
Remove the cap from the bottle.
After the cap is removed, if the tamper evident snap collar is loose, it should be
removed before using Simbrinza.
Mix the contents of the bottle by inverting 5 to 10 times.
Hold the bottle upside down in one hand between your thumb and middle finger (refer
diagram 1).
Diagram 1
Tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid of your eye to form a pouch/pocket.
Place the tip of the bottle close to your eye. Do not touch the tip to your eye as
this may cause injury to the eye.
Do not touch the dropper tip to eyelid or surrounding areas or any surface to avoid
contamination of the dropper tip and solution.
Release one drop into the pouch/pocket formed between your eye and eyelid by gently
tapping or pressing the base of the bottle with your forefinger (refer diagrams 2
and 3).
Diagram 2
Diagram 3
Gently close your eye(s) for two minutes. Do not blink or rub your eye(s).
When your eye is closed, place your index finger against the inside corner of your
eye and press against your nose for about two minutes. This will help to prevent the
medicine from draining through the tear duct to the nose and throat, from where it
can be absorbed into other parts of your body and may result in less side effects.
This will also help to prevent the unpleasant taste sensation that some people experience
while using these eye drops.
If necessary, repeat the above steps for the other eye.
You may feel a slight burning sensation in the eye shortly after using Simbrinza.
If it continues, or is uncomfortable, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If you want to use any other eye drops wait at least 5 minutes after using Simbrinza.
Eye ointments should be used last.
It is normal for a small amount of eye drops to spill onto your cheek since your eyelids
can only hold less than one drop at a time. Wipe away any spillage with a tissue.
Replace the cap on the bottle and close it tightly.
Always keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Wash your hands again with soap and water to remove any residue.
Wait for 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses in.
Discard Simbrinza Eye Drops 4 weeks after opening it.
If you forget to use Simbrinza
Simbrinza should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose
at the usual time, continue the treatment with the next dose as planned.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next
dose when you are meant to.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you use too much Simbrinza
If you think that you have used too much Simbrinza, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you accidentally use several Simbrinza Eye Drops in your eyes, immediately wash
your eyes with warm tap water.
5. What should I know while using Simbrinza?
Things you should do
Simbrinza Eye Drops are for eye use only.
Do not put Simbrinza into your eye(s) while wearing contact lenses.
Remove soft contact lenses before using Simbrinza.
Benzalkonium chloride, one of the ingredients in Simbrinza may cause eye irritation
and is known to discolour soft contact lenses.
Put your lenses back in 15 minutes after using the eye drops.
Call your doctor straight away if you:
notice any signs of allergic reaction.
become pregnant, plan to become pregnant or if you are breast feeding while using
Simbrinza.
have severe kidney problems.
develop skin rash, hives or other skin problems while on treatment with Simbrinza.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist or specialist you visit that you are using
Simbrinza.
Things you should not do
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly.
Do not give Simbrinza to anyone else, even if they seem to have the same condition
as you.
Do not touch the dropper tip to the eyelids, surrounding areas or any other surfaces.
Do not use Simbrinza in children and adolescents aged up to 17 years ie do not use
in children under 2 years old and do not use in children and adolescents aged 2 to
17 years.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools or perform tasks requiring
mental alertness and/or physical coordination until you know how Simbrinza affects
you.
Simbrinza may cause temporary blurred vision or other vision problems in some people
and may affect the ability to drive or use machines.
If blurred vision occurs after use, wait until your vision clears before driving or
using machinery.
Brimonidine tartrate, the active ingredient of Simbrinza, may cause tiredness and/or
drowsiness, which may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. Caution should
be taken.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Looking after your medicine
Store below 25°C
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
When to discard your medicine
Discard Simbrinza Eye Drops 4 weeks after opening.
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions about side effects.
Less serious side effects
|
Less serious side effects
|
What to do
|
|
Eye problems:
Redness of the eye(s)
Eye pain
Uncomfortable feeling in eye(s)
Blurred vision
Abnormal vision
Double vision
Feeling that something is in your eye(s)
Increased sensitivity to light
Eye swelling
Eyelid swelling
Dry eye
Eye discharge
Decreased vision
Excessive secretion of tears from the eye(s)
Vision problems
Eye surface swelling
Eye allergy
General problems:
Tiredness
Drowsiness
Nightmare
Difficulty sleeping
Dizziness
Feeling of fullness in the nose, cheeks and behind your eyes, fever, stuffy nose.
Headache
Spinning sensation
Dry throat
Throat irritation
Nasal dryness
Sneezing
Dry mouth
Feeling sick
Other problems:
Hives
Rash
Itching
Dizziness, lightheadedness, tiredness, weakness (symptoms of low blood pressure)
|
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry
you.
|
Serious side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
Reporting side effects
After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can
report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at
www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems . By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of
this medicine.
Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop
taking any of your medicines.
7. Product details
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What Simbrinza contains
|
Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
|
Brinzolamide 1% (10 mg/mL) and brimonidine tartrate 0.2% (2 mg/mL)
|
|
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
|
Propylene glycol, carbomer 974P, boric acid, mannitol, sodium chloride, tyloxapol,
sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH), purified water and benzalkonium
chloride (0.03 mg/mL) as preservative.
|
|
Potential allergens
|
benzalkonium chloride
May contain potential allergen such as benzoates, sulfites and hydroxybenzoates from
the manufacturing process.
|
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Simbrinza looks like
Simbrinza is a white to off-white uniform suspension for multiple-dose topical ophthalmic
use and is supplied in 8 mL round opaque low density polyethylene (LDPE) bottles with
a LDPE dispensing plug and white polypropylene screw cap containing 5 mL suspension.
Australian Register Number
AUST R 219839
Who distributes Simbrinza
Simbrinza is supplied in Australia by:
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited
ABN 18 004 244 160
54 Waterloo Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Telephone No. 1800 671 203
Simbrinza is supplied in New Zealand by
Novartis New Zealand Limited
PO Box 99102
Newmarket
Auckland 1149
New Zealand.
Free Phone: 0800 354 33
© Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited 2022
® Registered Trademark
This leaflet was prepared in December 2025.
Internal document code:
sib091123c_V2 based on PI sib091123i