Eye Drop Prescription Bottles don’t last 4 weeks

[VerdiG]

Hi, just wonder if anyone else has a similar problem. I take Brinzolamide twice a day in one eye and Travapost at bedtime. The Brinzolamide only ever lasts me 3 weeks although prescription says it should last for 4 weeks. Maybe because I am more concerned about getting a good dose each application. I think it’s a thicker fluid than the Travapost which always lasts the 4 weeks. It’s difficult because it means I have to renew my prescription before the renewal date and as surgeries are so concerned about finance I worry I will run out. Anyone else find their bottles run out too quickly?

[Gyfers]

Hi VerdiG - I asked the same question, but about different drops, just a few days ago - the thread's here, in case any of the answers are useful for you

healthunlocked.com/glaucoma...

You're not alone!

[VerdiG in reply to Gyfers]

ok, thanks. I must have missed your post. Yes helpful to know it’s a common issue for a lot of us.

[Dumyat26]

Yes. I also replied to the earlier post.

After 10 years of G, I am currently on Azarga & Brimonidine Tartrate twice daily and Lumigan before bed. Of these I find Azarga the easiest with virtually no wastage so lasts the full 4 weeks. I put that down to the fact that it is creamy and thicker. Both the others are clear and watery so I do get some wastage, no matter how careful I am.

By the way - You say " more concerned about getting a good dose each application". I was told early on that the eye can only absorb one drop, so any more in an attempt to "get a good dose" inevitably causes some wastage. However it is very difficult, especially with the thinner fluids to keep to one drop.

I take the view that the our health centre finances are less important than my health so I do not worry about renewing prescriptions early and the issue has never been raised by them. I would guess that they are well aware of this problem.

[VerdiG in reply to Dumyat26]

ok thanks! It was a consultant that told me to be more generous with the application! Always conflicting advice. By the way how do you get on with the Brimonidine? I was on it for a while and it sent me to sleep in the mornings! It made me very drowsy.

[Alprof]

Hi. I am using Brinzolomide for nearly ten year and have never encountered such problem .In fact after using it for 30 days still drops reman in the bottle. I think the way you administer the drop is the cause of this shortage as some drops miss the target and you try to repeat the process.

Try to use a drop dispenser instead. A number of brands are available in the market.

[charles555]

those bottles are designed to last 4 weeks At Least. If it runs out before that, then By Definition, you are using it improperly. ie too often or the dosage is wrong, on your part, using too much of when you use it. It is impossible to suspect the manufacturers got it wrong. You are the one to change how you use it

[VerdiG]

well it was a consultant that told me to apply a generous amount and I don’t have a problem with the other eye drop I use. The manufacturers obviously meticulously measure the quantity. However, it’s not always possible to get exactly one drop into the eye. Do you use this particular drop then and do you have any actual helpful advice to offer?

[Helen_GlaucomaUK Administrator]

It will be different for everyone. Many people struggle putting eye drops in. Whether it is problems feeling the drop going in, squeezing the bottle or aiming the drop. You can only do your best.

Having visual loss, another medical condition which may make your hand shake, or affects the movement of your hand and many more, all play a part. All these obstacles can mean using more of the drops. I receive many calls about this. It can be difficult and more so for some, so if you are running out of the eye drops earlier than normal, you need to order them perhaps a bit earlier. It is better that, than be without your drops.

If you ever feel that using an eye drop dispensing aid, we do have these you can order from our website or call our Helpline on 01233 648170. For some they can be very helpful.

[VerdiG in reply to Helen_GlaucomaUK]

Thank you Helen. I will check out the website.