Product Details: Cosopt Eye Drops (Dorzolamide/Timolol)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Merck Frosst

Generic Options

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 carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and beta-blocker combination used in the eye to lower high eye pressure in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. This medicine is for use in the eye only. Do not get it in your nose or mouth. IF YOU WEAR CONTACT LENSES, remove them before using this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before reinserting your lenses. 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 (unless you recently had eye surgery) 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. Keep the container tightly closed. Do NOT overtighten the cap on the bottle. This may damage the bottle or cap. Use this medicine regularly to receive the most benefit from it. Using this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO USE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. USE THIS MEDICINE at least 10 minutes apart from any other medicine that you put in your eye. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, 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

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IF YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF ANY SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION, talk with your doctor. You may be at risk for an even more severe allergic reaction if you come into contact with the substance that caused your allergy. Some medicines used to treat severe allergies may also not work as well while you are using this medicine. IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine or any other sulfonamide medicine (such as Septra DS, Bactrim DS, Gantrisin, glyburide, or probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION (such as severe rash, hives, difficulty breathing, dizziness) to any other sulfonamide medicine, such as acetazolamide celecoxib, certain diuretics (such as hydrochlorothiazide) glyburide, probenecid, sulfamethoxazole, valdecoxib, or zonisamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine. Do not use any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including eye pressure, may be performed to monitor your progress. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS, DROWSINESS, OR BLURRED VISION. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR if you will be having eye surgery. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine. FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETES: this medicine may hide signs of low blood sugar such as fast heartbeat. Be sure to watch for other signs of low blood sugar. Other signs of hypoglycemia include headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while using this medicine include back pain; bloodshot eyes; blurred vision; cough; dizziness; dry eyes; eyelid discomfort; feeling that something is in your eye; headache; increased tear production; minor burning, itching, or stinging of the eye; nausea; sore throat; taste changes; stomach pain or upset. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience unusual tiredness or weakness; or swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain or discomfort; confusion; dark urine; eye irritation, swelling, pain, or discharge; eyelid pain, redness, scaling, drooping, or swelling; fainting; fever, chills, or sore throat; pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling of an arm or leg; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; slow or irregular heartbeat; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Dorzolamide/Timolol