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Lower-concentration prostaglandin analogue may reduce adverse effects
HYDERABAD, India — A 0.01% concentration of bimatoprost showed comparable efficacy and significantly improved tolerability compared to the standard 0.03% formulation.
“Prostaglandin analogues are first-line therapy for glaucoma, as they have shown the best efficacy in reducing IOP with a single daily administration. However, side effects such as hyperemia and itchy sensation are common complaints,” Barun K. Nayak, MD, said in an industry-sponsored symposium at the joint meeting of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and All India Ophthalmological Society.
Barun K. Nayak
In a study, the 0.01% formulation of Lumigan (bimatoprost, Allergan) was compared with the 0.03% formulation, showing equivalent efficacy in lowering IOP over the 12-month study period.
“A lower incidence of treatment-related adverse events was found. Discontinuation due to side effects was 2% with the Lumigan 0.01% compared to 6% with the Lumigan 0.03%,” Nayak said.
In a study by Pfennigsdorf and colleagues, bimatoprost 0.01% was used in patients who discontinued previous therapies due to insufficient IOP control, intolerance or lack of compliance. Significant IOP control was achieved in the majority of patients, and 94% reported no adverse effects.
“I personally started on or switched to Lumigan 0.01% more than 100 patients. Only two had hyperemia, and none of them was taken off the treatment due to efficacy concerns,” Nayak said.
Disclosure: Nayak has no relevant financial disclosures.