2. What should I know before I use XALAPROST?
Do not use XALAPROST if you have ever had an allergic reaction to latanoprost or any
of the ingredients listed at the end of the CMI. Talk to your doctor if you have any other health problems, take any other medicines,
are pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Some medicines may interfere with XALAPROST and affect how it works.
4. How do I use XALAPROST?
The usual dose of XALAPROST is one drop into the affected eye, or eyes, once daily.
Use it until your doctor tells you to stop.
If you are wearing soft contact lenses, remove them before putting the drops in your
eye.
While pulling down the lower eyelid and looking upwards with your head tilted back,
gently squeeze the bottle to administer one drop. Release the eyelid and close your
eye, without blinking or rubbing your eye. While your eye is closed, place your index
finger against the inside corner of your eye and press against your nose for about
two minutes.
5. What should I know while using XALAPROST?
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Things you must do
|
Tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using XALAPROST.
Get your eyes checked regularly, for monitoring of eye pressure and other changes.
Tell your doctor if you develop an eye infection, receive an injury, or have eye surgery.
|
|
Things you must not do
|
Do not stop using XALAPROST without first talking to your doctor.
Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not give XALAPROST to anyone else even if they have the same condition as you.
|
|
Driving or using machines
|
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how XALAPROST affects you.
XALAPROST generally does not cause any problems, but it may cause blurred vision in
some people.
|
|
Looking after your medicine
|
Before opening: keep the bottle in its box and refrigerate (2°C – 8°C) protected from
light.
After opening: keep the bottle in its box, store in a cool, dry place protected from
light, below 25°C.
You do not need to keep it refrigerated. Discard four weeks after opening.
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6. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects of XALAPROST include changes to the eye and the surrounding area
(this mainly relates to irritation of the eye and eyelid), headache, muscle/joint
pain, and painful/urgent or frequent urination. Serious side effects include breathing
difficulties, chest pain, strong/rapid/irregular heartbeats, dizziness, nausea/vomiting,
swelling of the face/lips/mouth/tongue/throat, or developing white/cloudy deposits
in the front of your eye. For more information, including what to do if you have any
side effects, see Section
6. Are there any side effects? in the full CMI
Active ingredient:
latanoprost
Full Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using XALAPROST.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you
have any concerns or questions about using XALAPROST.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using XALAPROST?
XALAPROST contains the active ingredient latanoprost. XALAPROST belongs to a family of medicines called prostaglandin agonists.
XALAPROST is used to used to lower raised pressure in the eye in patients with open-angle
glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure of fluid in the eye may be high. However,
some people with glaucoma may have normal eye pressure.
Glaucoma is usually caused by a buildup of the fluid which flows through the eye.
This build up occurs because the fluid drains out of your eye more slowly than it
is being pumped in. Since new fluid continues to enter the eye, joining the fluid
already there, the pressure continues to rise. This raised pressure may damage the
back of the eye resulting in a gradual loss of sight. Damage can progress so slowly
that the person is not aware of this gradual loss of sight. Sometimes even normal
eye pressure is associated with damage to the back of the eye.
There are usually no symptoms of glaucoma. If glaucoma is not treated it can lead
to serious problems, including total blindness.
XALAPROST is used either alone or in combination with other eye medicines to lower
raised pressure within your eye.
Although XALAPROST helps control your glaucoma it does not cure it. You must keep
using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why XALAPROST has been prescribed
for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
2. What should I know before I use XALAPROST?
Warnings
Do not use XALAPROST if:
you are allergic to latanoprost, or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this
leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use XALAPROST.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
skin rash, itching or hives;
swelling of the face, lips or tongue which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing;
asthma, wheezing or shortness of breath.
fainting.
the bottle or packaging shows signs of tampering.
the expiry date on the unopened bottle has passed.
more than four weeks has passed since opening the bottle.
Check with your doctor if you:
have any other health problems such as severe asthma, any other types of glaucoma
or eye conditions such as macular oedema.
take any medicines for anything else.
have had any allergy to any other medicines or any other substances, such as food,
preservatives, or dyes.
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
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using XALAPROST during
pregnancy.
XALAPROST may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Your doctor will discuss the possible risks and benefits of using XALAPROST when breastfeeding.
Use in Children
XALAPROST is not recommended for use in children. The safety and effectiveness of
XALAPROST in children have not been established.
XALAPROST is not addictive.
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 XALAPROST. This may affect how they work and/or cause more side effects. These include:
eye drops which contain an ingredient called thiomersal.
If using such eye drops as well as XALAPROST, you should wait at least 5 minutes between
using these eye drops and XALAPROST.
other eye drops that contain a prostaglandin.
The use of two or more prostaglandin eye drops at the same time is not recommended.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect XALAPROST.
4. How do I use XALAPROST?
How much to use
The usual dose of XALAPROST is one drop into the affected eye or eyes, once daily.
Follow the instructions provided and use XALAPROST until your doctor tells you to
stop.
When to use XALAPROST
XALAPROST should be used every day, at about the same time each day, preferably in
the evening, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Using it at the same time each day will have the best effect on your eye pressure.
It will also help you remember when to use it.
How to use XALAPROST
If you are wearing soft contact lenses, remove them before putting the drops in your
eye.
The preservative in XALAPROST (benzalkonium chloride) may be deposited in soft contact
lenses. You can put your soft contact lenses back into your eyes 15 minutes after
you have used XALAPROST.
If using other eye drops in addition to XALAPROST, wait at least 5 minutes before
putting any other drops in your eye(s).
Be careful not to touch the dropper tip against your eye, eyelid or anything else.
Touching the dropper tip against something may contaminate the eye drops and give
you an eye infection.
You may find it easier to put drops in your eye while you are sitting or lying down.
Instructions:
1. Wash your hands well with soap and water.
2. Twist off the protective overcap from the bottle.
3. Unscrew the inner cap.
4. Use your finger to gently pull down the lower eyelid of your affected eye.
5. Tilt your head back and look up.
6. Place the tip of the bottle close to but not touching your eye. Squeeze the bottle
gently so that only one drop goes into your eye, then release the lower eyelid. Close your eye. Do not
blink or rub your eye.
7. While 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 stop 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. Ask your doctor for more specific instructions
on this technique.
8. Screw the inner cap back on the bottle.
9. Wash your hands again with soap and water to remove any residue.
You may feel a slight burning sensation in the eye shortly after using the eye drops.
If this persists, or is very uncomfortable, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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.
How long to use XALAPROST
Continue using XALAPROST every day for as long as your doctor prescribes.
XALAPROST helps control your condition but does not cure it.
If you forget to use XALAPROST
XALAPROST should be used regularly at the same time each day.
If you miss your dose at the usual time, and it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the dose you missed and use your next dose when you are meant to.
If you are not sure whether to skip the dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not use a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.
If you have trouble remembering to use your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you use too much XALAPROST
If you accidentally put several drops in your eye, immediately rinse your eye with
warm water.
If you think that you or anyone else may have swallowed XALAPROST, urgent medical
attention may be needed.
You must immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling 13 11 26) for advice, or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
5. What should I know while using XALAPROST?
Things you must do
To make sure XALAPROST is working properly, have your eye pressure checked regularly.
Have your eyes checked regularly for any other changes, including a change in eye
colour.
A slow change in eye colour, which may be permanent, has been reported to occur in
some patients who use XALAPROST. Your doctor will decide whether you should continue
using XALAPROST.
Keep all of your doctor's appointments so that your progress can be checked
Call your doctor straight away if you:
develop an eye infection, receive an eye injury or have eye surgery.
Your doctor may tell you to use a new container of XALAPROST because of possible contamination
of the old one or may advise you to stop your treatment with XALAPROST.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your doctor and pharmacist
that you are using XALAPROST.
become pregnant while using XALAPROST, tell your doctor immediately.
Tell your doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using XALAPROST.
Things you must not do
Do not stop using XALAPROST suddenly without first talking to your doctor.
If you stop using your eye drops, your eye pressures may rise again and damage to
your eye may occur.
Do not give XALAPROST to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you
or their symptoms seem similar.
Do not use this medicine to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Driving or using machines
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how XALAPROST
affects you.
XALAPROST eye drops, like other eye preparations, may cause transient blurred vision.
Make sure you know how you react to XALAPROST or that your vision is clear before
driving a car or operating machinery.
Looking after your medicine
Store the unopened bottle in its original container in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C),
protected from light. Do not freeze.
After opening, store the bottle in its box, protected from light and in a cool place
where the temperature stays below 25°C. You do not need to keep it refrigerated.
Put the top back on the bottle as soon as you are finished using the drops, to avoid
contamination of the eye drops.
Follow the instructions on the carton on how to take care of your medicine.
For example, do not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills, or
in the pockets of your clothes.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep it where young children cannot see or reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and a-half meters above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
When to dispose of your medicine
Discard XALAPROST four weeks after opening. Throw out any remaining solution after
four weeks.
Eye drops contain a preservative which helps prevent germs growing in the solution
for the first four weeks after opening the bottle. After this time there is a greater
risk that the eye drops may become contaminated and cause an eye infection.
If you no longer need to use it
After the expiry date (if unopened) or four weeks after opening.
The tamper evident seal has been damaged when you receive it
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
Take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
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
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Less serious side effects
|
What to do
|
|
a slow change in eye colour over a period of time. The iris may become browner in
colour and appear darker. This change may be permanent and more noticeable if you
are only being treated in one eye.
blurred vision, double vision or other visual problems
irritation or feeling of having something in the eye. This may be worse during the
first two or three days of using XALAPROST.
eye pain
redness, burning or watering of the eye(s)
discharge, itching of the eye(s), crusty eyelashes
darkening, thickening, lengthening or an increase in the number of eye lashes and
the fine hair on the eyelids
misdirected eyelashes sometimes causing eye irritation
darkening of the skin of the eyelids
crusting, redness, thickening, itching or burning of the eyelids
sensitivity to light
skin rash
headache
muscle/joint pain
painful, urgent or frequent urination.
|
Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects.
|
Serious side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Some people may have side effects that are not listed here.
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
XALAPROST is only available with a doctor's prescription.
What XALAPROST contains
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Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
|
Latanoprost: 50 microgram/mL
(Each drop contains about 1.5 micrograms of latanoprost)
|
|
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
|
benzalkonium chloride
dibasic sodium phosphate
hydrochloric acid
monobasic sodium phosphate monohydrate
sodium chloride
sodium hydroxide
water for injections
|
|
Potential allergens
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benzalkonium chloride (as preservative)
|
Do not use XALAPROST if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What XALAPROST looks like
XALAPROST eye drops come in a plastic bottle with a dropper and screw cap inside a
protective overcap. The drops are a clear, colourless solution (AUST R 217151).
XALAPROST is available in a 2.5 mL solution in a 5mL bottle
When you first receive your XALAPROST bottle, it will appear half full. This corresponds
to 2.5 mL of eye drop solution, giving a minimum of 80 drops. This volume is enough
to last 4 weeks if used in both eyes.
Who distributes XALAPROST
Viatris Pty Ltd
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
Phone: 1800 274 276
This leaflet was prepared in December 2025.
XALAPROST_cmi\Dec25/00