asthma just been diagnosed with glaucoma

[Tunbury41]

I saw consultant last week he prescribed cosopt lantanaprost and acetazolamide I take asthma medication my gp telephoned me and asked if he knew I was asthmatic which he did because he wrote Down my medication she said I shouldn’t be taking cosopt as it’s a beta blocker which is dangerous for asthmatics now I nervous about using it anyone else had anything similar the acetazolomide im just taking for two weeks but he said the drops are for life

[Beecalmed]

Can’t respond on acetazolamide s specifically but a similar thing happened to me early in my treatment. I was prescribed a beta blocker even though the locum consultant had asked if I had or I’d ever had asthma and I’d said “yes, although currently controlled and not needing treatment”. However when I got home I read the sheet with the drops and as I was concerned I should have just assertively declined it. So I discussed it with my dr and they said no don’t take it contact hospital for an alternative. I did and they’re now avoiding prescribing beta blockers for me, although sadly that does severely limit drop combination options, should your glaucoma progress in the future.

So I personally wouldn’t take that drop. It can put you at risk of breathing problems and our emergency services are a bit challenged at the moment so you could be putting yourself at risk. I wouldn’t delay though, I’d call consultants secretary, tell them what your dr has advised and request an alternative drop. 👍🏻

[Tunbury41 in reply to Beecalmed]

thank you for your response have contacted the consultants secretary today it was answerphone left a message with details she said it might take a couple of days before she responds

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

Hello. Yes, I agree with Beecalmed. Betablockers can exacerbate asthma. Checking with your eye specialist via their secretary, to get the drop changed, is the best course of action.

[countrygirl1]

Hi,

I am newly diagnosed with Open angle glaucoma in both eyes and was initially given Latanoprost eyedrops which were easy to use and caused no side effects (other than lash lengthening!)

After a month my pressures were not lowered enough so my doctor prescribed Ganfort instead, this contains Timolol which is a beta blocker. I had a bad experience years ago when taking beta blocker tablets for a heart condition and mentioned this but went ahead with the drops and had to give up after 2 weeks with breathlessness, muscle and joint pain, and general weakness. I had to use my asthma inhaler more than usual.

Yesterday I was back at the clinic, and am back on Latanoprost and am now on the waiting list for SLT laser treatment. My consultant was very apologetic, and said she will not prescibe beta blockers to any patients with a similar history to mine. Muscle and joint problems resolved a few days after stopping the Timolol, and the breathlessness has taken a little longer but is still improving.

I hope you manage to find a treatment that works well for you.

[Tunbury41]

thank you for reply I am hoping for laser treatment to get over this problem I have another appointment next week so will see what he has to say