What is Simbrinza?
Simbrinza Ophthalmic Drops are a mixture of brimonidine (brimonidine) and brinzolamide. Brimonidine, brinzolamide, and other eye drops reduce fluid levels in the eyes. Thus reducing pressure in the eye.
Simbrinza can be used for the treatment of open-angle (pressure) glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Simbrinza can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Warnings
Simbrinza is not recommended for children younger than two years of age. Simbrinza can cause sleepiness for some patients. Be careful when operating machines, driving, or engaging in other dangerous activities. Simbrinza should be stopped immediately if you experience blurred vision or tunnel vision, pain in the eyes, halos surrounding lights, redness of your eye, or extreme discomfort.
Be careful not to touch the eye, your skin, or your fingers with the tip of the bottle. If you touch the top of the dropper bottle, germs may spread to the medication bottle.
Before using Simbrinza
Simbrinza should be avoided if the user is allergic to brinzolamide or brimonidine. Simbrinza is not recommended for children younger than two years of age.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Simbrinza will be safe for you:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease, History of Stroke or Blood Clots;
- High or low blood pressure;
- Circulation problems such as Raynaud syndrome (numbness and cold sensation in the fingers or toes);
- Depression;
- An allergy to sulfa medications;
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
Simbrinza is in FDA Category C. There are no known side effects for an unborn child. If you plan to get pregnant or are currently pregnant and using Simbrinza, tell your doctor.Brimonidine or brinzolamide may pass into the breast milk, but it is unknown if this could cause harm to a baby who was nursing. Breastfeeding mothers must not take this medication.
How to take Simbrinza?
Simbrinza should be taken exactly as directed by your physician. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Use this medication only as directed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take it for longer than indicated.
Use this medicine only if you are not wearing contact lenses. Simbrinza contains a preservative that can cause soft contact lenses to discolour. After using the medicine, wait at least 15 minutes before inserting your lenses.
Before using eye drops, wash your hands. Before each use, shake the eyedrops well.
How to Apply Simbrinza Eye Drops
- To make a pocket, tilt your head slightly backward and gently pull down on your lower eyelid to form a pouch. The tip of the dropper should be pointing down. Squeeze out the dropper while looking away from it.
- You can close your eyes without blinking for two or three minutes. Press your finger gently on the inner corner of your eye for approximately 1 minute to prevent the liquid from draining down into the tear duct.
- Only use the drops prescribed by your physician. Wait 5 minutes in between each drop if you are using more than 1 drop.
- You should wait at least five minutes before applying any eye drops prescribed by your doctor.
Avoid touching the tip or placing it on the eye. If the dropper is contaminated, it can cause serious eye problems. Simbrinza is not to be used if it has changed colour or contains particles. For new medication, call your pharmacist.
If you experience any kind of eye infection or injury, you should immediately contact your doctor. This is especially true if surgery will be required, such as an eye operation. Simbrinza should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Don't freeze. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the dose you missed. If your next dose is coming due, skip any dose that is past due. You should not take extra medication to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses of Simbrinza are not dangerous. If anyone accidentally swallows the medicine, seek emergency medical care or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
The medication can cause blurred or double vision, and it may affect your ability to think clearly. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness and the ability to see clearly.
Side effects of Simbrinza
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction to Simbrinza, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue.
Other signs of an allergic reaction may develop slowly when using this medication. You should call your doctor immediately if:
- Sudden liver failure: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, lack of appetite, dark-coloured urine, clay-coloured stools, confusion, sudden weight gain (especially around the midsection), jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes;
- Bone marrow suppression: sudden weakness, ill feelings, low blood pressure, flu-like symptoms, fever or chills; mouth sores or red gums
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling of the tongue or face, eye pain and burning, then a reddish or purple rash that spreads to other parts (especially on your face and upper body), causing blistering and skin peeling.
If you experience:
- Blurred vision, pain in the eyes, or seeing halos around lights
- Eye swelling, discomfort, crusting, or drainage may be an indication of infection.
Common Simbrinza side effects may include:
- Blurred vision
- You may experience mild irritation, itching, or redness of the eyes.
- Dry mouth and unpleasant taste
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Simbrinza may also interact with other drugs, such as prescription, over-the-counter, herbal, or vitamin products. Inform all healthcare providers of all medications you are currently taking, including any new additions.
