Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Xalatan (Latanoprost).
Asthma: Some people with asthma may experience an increase in asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, when they use Xalatan (Latanoprost) or other similar medications. If you have asthma, discuss with your doctor how Xalatan (Latanoprost) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xalatan (Latanoprost), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Eye changes: Xalatan (Latanoprost) may gradually change the colour of the eye, increasing the amount of brown pigment in the iris by increasing the number of melanosomes (pigment granules). The long-term effects on the eye and the chances of injury to the eye are currently unknown. The change in colour may be permanent. This effect has mostly been seen in patients with mixed-coloured eyes (e.g., blue-brown, grey-brown, green-brown, or yellow-brown). In patients with uniformly blue, grey, green, or brown eyes, the change has only rarely been seen. The change in colour occurs slowly, and may not be noticeable for several months to years. Xalatan (Latanoprost) has also been reported to cause darkening, thickening, and lengthening of eyelashes, as well as darkening of the eyelid.
Other eye conditions: The safety of using Xalatan (Latanoprost) eye drops if you have other eye conditions may not be well known. If you have other eye conditions such as uveitis or lens problems, discuss with your doctor how Xalatan (Latanoprost) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Xalatan (Latanoprost), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney or liver function: Xalatan (Latanoprost) has not been studied for use by people with impaired kidney or liver function. Xalatan (Latanoprost) should be used with caution by these individuals.
Pregnancy: Xalatan (Latanoprost) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using Xalatan (Latanoprost), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Xalatan (Latanoprost) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using Xalatan (Latanoprost), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and efficacy of Xalatan (Latanoprost) have not been established for use by children.