Product Details: Alphagan (Brimonidine 0.2%)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Allergan

Generic Options - Manufacturer: Generic

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used to treat glaucoma and excessive pressure in the eye. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TO USE THIS MEDICINE: first, wash your hands. Tilt your head back and with your index finger, pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to form a pouch. Drop the medicine into the pouch and gently close your eyes. Immediately use your finger to apply pressure to the inside corner of the eye and continue to apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes after using the medicine. Do not blink and keep your eyes closed for 1 or 2 minutes. Remove excess medicine around your eye with a clean tissue, being careful not to touch your eye. Wash your hands to remove any medicine that may be on them. TO PREVENT GERMS from entering your medicine, do not touch the applicator tip to any surface including your eye. IF YOUR MEDICINE COMES WITH A SPECIAL CAP (C-Cap), follow the directions provided in the patient information leaflet from the manufacturer on how to use this properly. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT use 2 doses at once.

Cautions

KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines cause drowsiness. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. WAIT AT LEAST 15 minutes after using this medicine before inserting soft contact lenses. FOR WOMEN: IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include eye discomfort/itching/redness, blurred vision, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, or tiredness. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/pounding heartbeats, persistent headache, eye pain/burning/swelling, extreme sensitivity to light, vision changes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, slow/irregular heartbeats. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Brimonidine 0.2%