Glaucoma drops efficacy generic v brand

[michelek]

I’ve been on generic latanoprost (buy from Sams club manufactured by Sandoz) and have had a selective laser trabeculotomy (SLT) in both eyes yet my pressure is not going down measurably. The other point to note is that eyelash growth and eye color change are a common side effect with latanoprost yet I have experienced neither in almost a year of using the drops.
I wonder since my pressure is not going down and I’ve also not had the common side effects if the generic is not effective for me? Or is it the drug? Maybe the brand name latanoprost would be effective?
Question: is there a difference in the generic v the brand? Or should I ask doc to switch the drops? I hate to waste much more time using ineffective eye drops when my vision is on the line!

 

[flintnational]

First, I am just a glaucoma patient and I do not have any medical training.

Personally, I have not seen a difference in name brand vs. generic drops. I currently take 3 drops per day, latanaprost, dorzolamide and brimonidine (all generic). I have also had the lazer surgery. Recently, my pressures have begun to creep up. My MD wants to try a new name brand drug, rhopressa. She has had very good results with other patients. Generic timilol is also an option. It has lowered my pressures significantly in the past but I try and avoid it because it is a beta blocker and has more significant side effects than some of the other drugs.

So, I would suggest the following. If you are not already doing so, see a glaucoma specialist. There are a lot of drops they can try. Like me, you may need to take more than one drop. If cost is not an issue (or you have really good insurance) try the name brand. My MD is very good at trying different options until my pressures are down and stable. We are currently experimenting with the Rhopressa in one eye as a test.

 

[Golden sunsets]

What are your pressures? I assume if you think they are too high, your Glaucoma doc feels they are too high too? Is he suggesting you try another med?

I switched to Latanaprost, as it was lower cost. I have not had any changes in lashes or skin coloration beneath the eyes. My numbers are typically 16-19.

 

[healthyandfun]

I am a glaucoma patient and have been for about thirty years. I have used different meds over the years and had numerous procedures. I use Latanaprost and have for roughly ten years. I have never had thickened lashes or darkened lids with that med. I had a trabeculectomy in one eye due to a change in the optic nerve and went off meds in that eye for less than a year, but pressure became elevated once again so I went back on. When I had cataract surgery, I had stents implanted. They lowered the pressure so I Went off Latanaprost for two years, but once again those dang pressures became elevated. Have been on Latanaprost for some four or five years this time. My suggestion would be to talk frankly with your doctor and express your concerns. My experience is that glaucoma is different in each patient and must be monitored frequently. A glaucoma specialist will be able to look at all the nuances involved in your case and come up with the best treatment. Good luck!

 

[friar1610]

Roughly similar experiences - both in years of glaucoma and with a trabeculectomy - as the poster above. I've been on three separate drops for quite a while now - Timolol, Lumigan and Azopt taken in various combinations 4X daily. I have reminders set on my phone at the appropriate times. Seems like the damn thing is always alarming!

 

[OldShooter]

You would consult SGOTI on this? Really? If you don't trust your doctor's judgment on this, you need a new doctor.

 

[braumeister]

You would consult SGOTI on this? Really? If you don't trust your doctor's judgment on this, you need a new doctor.

Yes, your comment "should I ask doc to switch the drops?" kind of floored me. If you haven't already discussed this with your doc, then you really need to do that. Most doctors I've dealt with are sensitive to the cost of the medications they prescribe and are willing to work with you to find the best compromise between cost, safety, and effectiveness.

 

[Beststash]

I used Lantanoprost .005% Sandoz version for years (about 5) until my pressure gradually began to rise from about 18 to around the 20/21 range. I was then put on Cosopt (dorzolamide hydrochloride-timolol maleate) 22.3/6.8mg...I use the generic version by AKORN. I take one drop of the Cosopt generic in the morning and then another sometime in the afternoon (usually around 8PM) and then 1 drop of the Lantanoprost before going to bed.

It has worked well for me. My pressure is now consistently around 14/15 for the last 10+ years. I go to the Ophthalmologist every 3 months for pressure check and a yearly vision field and have for over 20 years. So far-so good.