Simbrinza

Simbrinza is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension (elevated pressure inside the eye). The active ingredients of Simbrinza are Brimonidine and Brinzolamide, which work by reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye, causing reduced pressure. Elevated pressure can press on the eye structures that gradually results in blindness.

Simbrinza is available as eye drops.

You can only purchase Simbrinza eye drops with a prescription, and you should use it only with doctor’s supervision.

Here are the important things to know before using Simbrinza.

Allergies

Some people are allergic to Brimonidine and Brinzolamide. Do not use Simbrinza if you are allergic to Brimonidine and Brinzolamide.

Health conditions

Simbrinza may not be safe to be used by patients with certain medical conditions. Tell the doctor all of you health problems before using Simbrinza. You cannot use Simbrinza if you have any of the following conditions:

• Eye infection or other problems
• Problems in the liver
• Problems in the kidneys
• Heart diseases, notably congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, history of stroke or blood clot
• Too high blood pressure levels (hypertension) or too low blood pressure
• Diseases affecting blood circulation, such as Raynaud’s syndrome (numbness or coldness of the fingers or toes)
• Depression
• Allergy to sulfa drugs such as Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, Erythromycin-sulfisoxazole, Sulfasalazine, and Dapsone.

Pregnancy

Simbrinza is an FDA pregnancy category C drug, which means it is not proven completely safe for the fetus when given to pregnant patients. If you are pregnant, tell it to your doctor before taking Simbrinza.

Breastfeeding

There is a possibility that Simbrinza may be passed into the breast milk. It is not yet known if Simbrinza is safe to give to patients who are breastfeeding.

Children

Do not give Simbrinza to children younger than 2 years old. Follow doctor’s instructions carefully when giving Simbrinza to older children and teenagers. 

The doctor will give you clear instructions on using Simbrinza eye drops, so do not apply more or less than prescribed.

Simbrinza is usually applied three times a day, and it is only applied on the affected eye. Always shake Simbrinza bottle well before opening. If you have to apply other eye drops, apply them at least 5 minutes apart.

Apply eye drop medicines like Simbrinza properly to prevent contamination of the dropper. Here is a simple direction in applying Simbrinza:

• Inspect the eye drop bottle first. Do not use it if it has changed colors or has particles in it.
• Tilt the head back, and gently pull the lower eyelid of the affected eye to make a small pocket.
• Hold the eye dropper above the eye, tip down. Look up and away, and squeeze a drop.
• Close the eyes for 2-3 minutes, without squinting or blinking. Press a finger to the inside corner of the eye to close the tear gland duct to keep the medicine from draining.
• If you have to apply more than one drop, wait for 5 minutes before applying again.

To ensure that the medicine will not become contaminated, make sure that the eye drop tip does not touch other surfaces and do not allow it to touch the eye.

If you find that your eye is inflamed (redness, irritated) or has an obvious infection, call the doctor right away.

Do not swallow Simbrinza eye drops or apply too much. If this happens, call local poison control centers right away.

If you missed applying Simbrinza eye drop, apply as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for th next dose, skip the missed dose and return to original dosing.  

Keep Simbrinza bottle tightly closed when not in use. Keep Simbrinza at room temperature away from heat and light.

Simbrinza may cause drowsiness and may also blur vision for a while, so do not drive or perform dangerous tasks after taking it.

If you experience symptoms such as blurred or tunnel vision, headache, eye pain, seeing halos around lights, and eye redness, stop using Simbrinza and call the doctor immediately.

Do not touch the eye dropper tip or allow it to touch other surfaces to prevent contamination by bacteria. If you experience eye infection while using Simbrinza, stop using the drug and call the doctor right away.

Simbrinza may cause side effects that require medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you experienced the following while using Simbrinza:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as skin rash, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth, nose, lips or throat.
• Sudden liver failure symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, tiredness, loss of appetite, passing out dark urine or clay-colored stools,  confusion, rapid weight gain, and jaundice.
• Potential bone marrow suppression symptoms such as sudden weakness or illness, fever, chills, sore throat, having mouth sores, trouble swallowing, lightheadedness or shortness of breath, rapid heartbeats, and difficulty concentrating.
• Severe skin reaction symptoms such as fever, sore throat, swelling of the face and throat, burning pain in the eyes, pain in the skin, the appearance of red or purple skin rash, and eventually peeling or blistering of the skin.
• Potential glaucoma symptoms such as blurred or tunnel vision, headache, eye pain, and seeing halos around lights.
• Eye infection symptoms such as eye redness, swelling, crusting, drainage or severe discomfort.

Simbrinza may cause minor side effects such as:

• Blurring of vision
• Mild itching, redness or irritation of the eyes
• Dryness of mouth
• Unpleasant or unusual changes in taste