others views on Ganfort eye drops

[fishbig]

I was diagnosed with glaucoma about 2 years ago. I had SLT which didn't work and was using latanoprost (XalaTAN) but unfortunately my inter ocular pressure is not coming down enough. I have now been prescribed Ganfort which contains a Beta blocker. I am a keen and fit cyclist and am deeply worried about the side effects of the drug mostly shortness of breath, bradycardia, and insomnia. I am already quite a poor sleeper. I am curious about other peoples experience with Ganfort and anybodies views as to whether brinzolamide might be a better option. i would be very appreciative of others experience and views as I am extremely stressed at the moment trying to work out my best option.

[NewSh0e]

hi there, I have been on Ganfort for a couple of years, having had the same issues with increasing eye damage and pressure refusing to come down. I exercise most days, perhaps not to the level that you have outlined, however definitely not low-level, and have had zero issues with breathlessness. Regarding the insomnia, I have never been a particularly good sleeper, so it’s hard for me to say whether the eyedrops have contributed. At the end of the day, even if they did, I’d be ok with that being the price to pay for keeping my sight loss under control. Since I’ve been on the drops, with Simbrinza added in, my pressures are in the range targeted by my consultant, and have stayed there.

On that basis, I am happy to keep going with this medication. Perhaps given the state of your glaucoma you could try for a few months, and see how you get on? If you do experience adverse effects, you always swap to something else?

[fishbig in reply to NewSh0e]

Thank you so much for your reply. I found it reassuring and welcome. I will persevere a bit longer on the drops and see how I get on.

[Beechdown]

I understand your concern about drops that include Timolol. I can share my experience but everyone is different. I am active and have naturally lowish blood pressure and particularly low heart rate. Very quickly both reduced further. Brinzolomide gave me heart related side efffects, chest pain, tingling in arms, so may or may not be the solution for you. However Dorzolamide, in the same class as Brinzolomide has as yet had no effect on BP or given heart rate related side effects after 3 weeks. But it does make me dozy so not ideal. I am thinking about asking to try Roclanda if it doesn't improve.

Your reaction to beta blockers may be different. If your underlying BP and heart rate is low there could be a greater risk of badycardia so if that is the case I would monitor carefully.

I am sorry SLT didn't work for you. I am on a relatively long waiting list and hoping itcworks to the extent I can rely on Latanaprost alone.

[Trish_GlaucomaUK Partner]

Hello.

It is very daunting when a person is put on new eyedrops and the side effects are scary, but they have to be mentioned in case a person experiences them.

Xalatan also has side effects such as shortness of breathe, so if you did not experience any side effects from the Xalatan, then I would think you will not have issues with the Ganfort, but you will not know unless you start using it, which I encourage you to do so.

If you experience any of the side effects, stop taking them and make the consultant know straight away via the eye secretary.

To help with side effects you can do Punctal Occlusion. After you put in the drops, close your eye and press on the tear duct (nearest the nose) for up to 2 minutes. This will reduce the risk of the drop getting to the back of the throat and into the blood stream, encouraging side effects. You may do this already, but it is a good way reduce the risk of side effects.

Betablockers tend to affect people more if they have issues with low blood pressure or the are using betablockers already

Whether Brinzolamide is an option for you can only be decided by the consultant.

[Lynne-H]

I`ve been on Ganfort since 2018 having previously used just the Bimatoprost for 7 years. I have no problems with the Ganfort and it does help to keep my pressures stable.

[fishbig]

Thank you to all who have replied to my post. Your answers have been helpful