Vyzulta for Glaucoma Treatment

Vyzulta for Glaucoma Treatment

Vyzulta for Glaucoma Treatment

 

 

Vyzulta Eye Drops (latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution, 0.024%) is a drug indicated for lowering the intraocular pressure. FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) has approved Vyzulta to treat open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Ocular hypertension is when the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal. It is usually asymptomatic but can increase the risk of developing glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma on the other hand is the most common form of glaucoma that causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision.

In glaucoma, the trabecular meshwork through which the aqueous fluid (fluid inside the eye) passes may be damaged. As a result, the aqueous fluid in one or both eyes may not drain properly causing an increase in the pressure inside the eye.

 

 

An elevated intraocular pressure can lead to optic nerve damage and cause visual field loss. Lowering the intraocular pressure and keeping it within normal limits can significantly slow down the progression of the disease. While the vision lost from glaucoma can’t be recovered, early detection and proper treatment can save the remaining vision.

Vyzulta has a dual mechanism of action. It breaks down into two active ingredients: latanoprost acid and butanediol mononitrate with each working through two different pathways. Latanoprost acid increases outflow of the aqueous humor through the non-conventional uveoscleral pathway.

Butanediol mononitrate increase aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal by releasing nitric oxide.

 

 

Safety Information

  • Brownish discoloration of the iris may occur permanently.

  • A reversible darkening of the eyelids may occur. It will normalize after Vyzulta use is discontinued.

  • Changes in length, thickness, number, and direction of eyelashes may also be noticed.

  • Do not use with contact lenses on. Remove lenses before use and reinsert 15 minutes after Vyzulta application.

  • If using any other eye drops, give at least 5 minutes interval between each application of medications.

  • Use once daily at night. Do not administer more than once in a day.

  • It is recommended to instill the eye drops around the same time each night.

  • Do not freeze. Unopened Vyzulta bottles should be stored in a refrigerator. Once opened, it can be stored at room temperature for a maximum of 8 weeks.



Common Side Effects of Vyzulta

  • Eye redness

  • Eye Irritation

  • Eye pain

  • Pain at instillation site

 

 

Is Vyzulta use safe?

 

Multiple clinical studies have been conducted which yielded positive results in terms of safety and efficacy of the medication. It was also compared to timolol and latanoprost, with Vyzulta showing a significantly greater IOP lowering action.

 

FDA approval

In November 2, 2017, Bausch + Lomb, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International and Nicox S.A. announced the FDA approval of the New Drug Application (NDA) for Vyzulta Eye Drops. It is the first prostaglandin analog with Nitric Oxide as one of its metabolites.

Earlier studies have been made to establish the role of Nitric Oxide. According to the studies, Nitric Oxide can control the intraocular pressure in normal eyes by increasing the outflow of the aqueous humor. It was also found that eyes affected with glaucoma have lesser levels of Nitric Oxide signaling. These led to the Nitric Oxide-releasing molecules research program that developed Vyzulta. 

 

 

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