WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Pigmentation
XALATAN has been reported to cause changes to pigmented
tissues. The most frequently reported changes have been increased pigmentation
of the iris, periorbital tissue (eyelid), and eyelashes. Pigmentation is
expected to increase as long as latanoprost is administered.
The pigmentation change is due to increased melanin
content in the melanocytes rather than to an increase in the number of
melanocytes. After discontinuation of latanoprost, pigmentation of the iris is
likely to be permanent, while pigmentation of the periorbital tissue and
eyelash changes have been reported to be reversible in some patients. Patients
who receive treatment should be informed of the possibility of increased
pigmentation. Beyond 5 years the effects of increased pigmentation are not
known [see Clinical Studies].
Iris color change may not be noticeable for several
months to years. Typically, the brown pigmentation around the pupil spreads
concentrically towards the periphery of the iris and the entire iris or parts
of the iris become more brownish. Neither nevi nor freckles of the iris appear
to be affected by treatment. While treatment with XALATAN can be continued in
patients who develop noticeably increased iris pigmentation, these patients
should be examined regularly [see PATIENT INFORMATION].
Eyelash Changes
XALATAN may gradually change eyelashes and vellus hair in
the treated eye; these changes include increased length, thickness,
pigmentation, the number of lashes or hairs, and misdirected growth of
eyelashes. Eyelash changes are usually reversible upon discontinuation of
treatment [see PATIENT INFORMATION].
Intraocular Inflammation
XALATAN should be used with caution in patients with a
history of intraocular inflammation (iritis/uveitis) and should generally not
be used in patients with active intraocular inflammation because inflammation
may be exacerbated.
Macular Edema
Macular edema, including cystoid macular edema, has been
reported during treatment with XALATAN. XALATAN should be used with caution in
aphakic patients, in pseudophakic patients with a torn posterior lens capsule,
or in patients with known risk factors for macular edema.
Herpetic Keratitis
Reactivation of Herpes Simplex keratitis has been
reported during treatment with XALATAN. XALATAN should be used with caution in
patients with a history of herpetic keratitis. XALATAN should be avoided in
cases of active herpes simplex keratitis because inflammation may be
exacerbated.
Bacterial Keratitis
There have been reports of bacterial keratitis associated
with the use of multiple-dose containers of topical ophthalmic products. These
containers had been inadvertently contaminated by patients who, in most cases,
had a concurrent corneal disease or a disruption of the ocular epithelial
surface [see PATIENT INFORMATION].
Use With Contact Lenses
Contact lenses should be removed prior to the
administration of XALATAN, and may be reinserted 15 minutes after
administration.
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Latanoprost was not carcinogenic in either mice or rats
when administered by oral gavage at doses of up to 170 mcg/kg/day
(approximately 2800 times the recommended maximum human dose) for up to 20 and
24 months, respectively.
Latanoprost was not mutagenic in bacteria, in mouse
lymphoma, or in mouse micronucleus tests. Chromosome aberrations were observed in
vitro with human lymphocytes. Additional in vitro and in vivo studies on
unscheduled DNA synthesis in rats were negative.
Latanoprost has not been found to have any effect on male
or female fertility in animal studies.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Teratogenic Effects
Pregnancy Category C.
Reproduction studies have been performed in rats and
rabbits. In rabbits, an incidence of 4 of 16 dams had no viable fetuses at a
dose that was approximately 80 times the maximum human dose, and the highest
nonembryocidal dose in rabbits was approximately 15 times the maximum human
dose.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in
pregnant women. XALATAN should be used during pregnancy only if the potential
benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known whether this drug or its metabolites are
excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution
should be exercised when XALATAN is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not
been established.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have
been observed between elderly and younger patients.