Travopt general information

What is Travopt used for?

Travopt eye drops 0.004% are used to lower pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of open-angle glaucoma, which is raised IOP caused by a build-up of fluid (aqueous humour) in the eye.  The increased IOP can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead to gradual loss of sight, starting with peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye.  Travopt eye drops increase the drainage of aqueous fluid out of the eye which decreases IOP and prevents loss of sight.  Travopt eye drops are also used to treat ocular hypertension (increased IOC without ocular nerve damage) to lower IOC.  Travopt eye drops can be used alone as first line monotherapy or in conjunction with other glaucoma medication.

How does Travopt work?

Travopt eye drops 0.004% contain travoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of a naturally occurring prostaglandin known as prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha).  Prostaglandins have distinct and specific actions in various tissues of the body, including reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye.  The build-up of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually to maintain normal eye pressure.  Travoprost in Travopt eye drops binds to the same receptors in the eye as PGF2 alpha and is thought to dilate (widen) the blood vessels of the eye.  This increases the uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humour from the eye, through the ciliary body where the aqueous is produced, and is an alternative route for drainage.  As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma is left untreated.  A reduction in IOP can be seen about 2 hours after you start using Travopt eye drops with a maximum effect after 12 hours that lasts for 24 hours. 

What does Travopt contain?

Travopt eye drops contains the active ingredient travoprost (0.004%), a synthetic analogue (mimic) of a naturally occurring prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha), which is used to treat glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye.  They also contain boric acid, propylene glycol, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, sorbitol and zinc chloride, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid, to adjust the pH, and purified water USP.

Treating glaucoma with Travopt

Travopt eye drops 0.004% contain the active ingredient travoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of a naturally occurring prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) that has various actions, including reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye.  The build-up of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually.  Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased production or decreased drainage from the eye increases IOP, which can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight.  Travoprost in Travopt eye drops binds to the same receptors in the eye as PGF2 alpha and increases the uveoscleral outflow of aqueous humour from the eye.  As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated.

What are the side effects of Travopt?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Travopt eye drops include red congested eyes (conjunctival hyperaemia), growth of eyelashes, itching, irritation or inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis) and eyelid (blepharitis), sensitivity to light, an increase in colouring or pigment of area around eye, visual changes, eyelash darkening, darkening of the iris, headache.

When should Travopt not be used?

You should not use Travopt eye drops if you:

• are allergic to travoprost or any ingredients in Travopt
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• suffer from dry eyes or any diseases of the cornea
• are wearing contact lenses, you should remove your contacts and replace them after using Travopt eye drops

How should Travopt be used?

You should take your Travopt eye drops by applying one drop into the affected eye, once daily, preferably in the evening, and following the instructions provided.  If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Travopt eye drops and then replace them after 15 minutes.  You should continue to use your Travopt eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

How long should you use Travopt?

You should continue to use your Travopt eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.

Missed dose of Travopt

If you miss a dose of Travopt eye drops apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not apply a double dose.

How should Travopt be stored?

You should store your Travopt eye drops below 25°C in a cool dry place and always replace the top on the bottle to prevent contamination.  Discard the bottle of Travopt eye drops 4 weeks after opening.