Several types of diseases are grouped under the umbrella term "glaucoma." Most people experience either primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or angle closure glaucoma. The others include pediatric glaucoma, NTG or normal tension glaucoma and secondary glaucoma. POAG is a build-up of pressure in the eyeball because fluid drainage is blocked. Angle closure glaucoma happens much more rapidly than the gradual build-up in POAG. Travoprost, marketed as Travantan and Travatan Z may be used to help treat glaucoma.
Ocular Side Effects
Since travoprost is administered in the eyes as a solution, it can cause ocular side effects. The most common of these---experienced by 35 percent to 50 percent of the people using it in clinical studies---is ocular hyperemia, according to RxList.com. This condition is characterized by eye redness and irritation. In these same studies, 3 percent of the patients stopped using Travatan because of irritation on the inside of the eyelid known as conjunctival hyperemia. The same studies showed 5 percent to 10 percent of patients experiencing a lowering of clarity of vision, discomfort in the eyes, the sensation of having a foreign body in the eye, pain in the eye and itching. Other eye problems from the use of travoprost that occurred in 1 percent to 4 percent of patients included bleeding from the inner eyelid, excessive tearing, discoloration of the eye, dry eyes, unusual vision including blurring and cataracts. Blindness also has resulted from travoprost use, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Gastrointestinal and Urinary
Travatan also may cause some serious gastrointestinal and urinary problems. For example, side effects include urine that contains blood and sour or acidic stomach sensations. The drug also may cause you to lose control of your bladder function and to experience burning or pain during urination. Consult your physician as soon as possible for any of these.
Cardiovascular
Cardiovascular side effects from travoprost use may include pain in the chest, tightness in the chest, tachycardia or rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat and bradycardia or slow heartbeat. These also should be reported to a medical professional as soon as possible.
Other Side Effects
Travoprost may cause a variety of other serious side effects that need medical attention. These include abnormal tiredness, mucus-producing cough, mental confusion, sweating suddenly, noise in the ears including pounding, changes in mood or mental state, lightheadedness, headaches, increases in cholesterol levels, a fever or pain in the muscles, joints or pelvis.
Member Comments