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What should I discuss with my health care provider before using bimatoprost ophthalmic (Lumigan)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to bimatoprost.

Before using bimatoprost, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have swelling or infection of your eye.

Bimatoprost ophthalmic may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, as well as increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These color changes, usually an increase in brown pigment, occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether bimatoprost is harmful to an unborn baby. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether bimatoprost passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use bimatoprost ophthalmic (Lumigan)?

Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using bimatoprost before putting your contact lenses in.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
• If you use more than one drop in the same eye, wait about 5 minutes before putting in the next drop. Also wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor has prescribed.

Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious damage to the eye.

At any time during your use of bimatoprost ophthalmic, tell your doctor at once if you have an eye injury, if you develop an eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

Do not use the eye drops if the liquid changes colors or has particles in it.

Store the drops at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

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