h known risk factors for cystoid macular oedema.
In patients with known predisposing risk factors for iritis/uveitis, Xalatan can be used with caution.
There is limited experience from patients with asthma, but some cases of exacerbation of asthma and/or dyspnoea were reported in post marketing experience. Asthmatic patients should therefore be treated with caution until there is sufficient experience, see also 4.8.
Periorbital skin discolouration has been observed, the majority of reports being in Japanese patients. Experience to date shows that periorbital skin discolouration is not permanent and in some cases has reversed while continuing treatment with Xalatan.
Latanoprost may gradually change eyelashes and vellus hair in the treated eye and surrounding areas; these changes include increased length, thickness, pigmentation, number of lashes or hairs and misdirected growth of eyelashes. Eyelash changes are reversible upon discontinuation of treatment.
Xalatan contains benzalkonium chloride, which is commonly used as a preservative in ophthalmic products. Benzalkonium chloride has been reported to cause punctate keratopathy and/or toxic ulcerative keratopathy, may cause eye irritation and is known to discolour soft contact lenses. Close monitoring is required with frequent or prolonged use of Xalatan in dry eye patients, or in conditions where the cornea is compromised. Contact lenses may absorb benzalkonium chloride and these should be removed before applying Xalatan but may be reinserted after 15 minutes (see section 4.2 Posology and Method of Administration).
Paediatric population
Efficacy and safety data in the age group < 1 year (4 patients) are very limited (see Section 5.1). No data are available for preterm infants (less than 36 weeks gestational age).
In children from 0 to < 3 years old that mainly suffers from PCG (Primary Congenital Glaucoma), surgery (e.g. trabeculotomy/goniotomy) remains the first line treatment.
Long-term safety in children has not yet been established.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Definitive drug interaction data are not available.
There have been reports of paradoxical elevations in intraocular pressure following the concomitant ophthalmic administration of two prostaglandin analogues. Therefore, the use of two or more prostaglandins, prostaglandin analogues or prostaglandin derivatives is not recommended.
Paediatric population
Interaction studies have only been performed in adults.
4.6 Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy
The safety of this medicinal product for use in human pregnancy has not been established. It has potential hazardous pharmacological effects with respect to the course of pregnancy, to the unborn or the neonate. Therefore, Xalatan should not be used during pregnancy.
Lactation
Latanoprost and its metabolites may pass into breast milk and Xalatan should therefore not be used in nursing women or breast feeding should be stopped.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
In common with other eye preparations, instillation of eye drops may cause transient blurring of vision. Until this has resolved, patients should not drive or use machines.
4.8 Undesirable effects
The majority of adverse events relate to the ocular system. In an open 5-year latanoprost safety study, 33% of patients developed iris pigmentation (see 4.4). Other ocular adverse events are generally tra |
