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Unoprostone ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 13, 2023.

Applies to unoprostone ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, unoprostone ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking unoprostone ophthalmic:

Less common

Rare

Other side effects

Some side effects of unoprostone ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common or rare

Other side effects

Some side effects of unoprostone ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Less common or rare

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to unoprostone ophthalmic: ophthalmic solution.

Ocular

Very common (10% or more): Burning/stinging, dry eyes, itching, increased length of eyelashes

Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal vision, eyelid disorder, foreign body sensation, lacrimation disorder, blepharitis, cataract, conjunctivitis, corneal lesion, discharge from the eye, eye hemorrhage, eye pain, keratitis, irritation, photophobia, vitreous disorder

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acute elevated intraocular pressure, color blindness, corneal deposits, corneal edema, corneal opacity, diplopia, hyperpigmentation of the eyelid, increased number of eyelashes, iris hyperpigmentation, iritis, optic atrophy, ptosis, retinal hemorrhage, visual field defect, decrease in the length of eyelashes

Postmarketing reports: Corneal erosion, chemosis[Ref]

Unoprostone ophthalmic may change the eye color. This is caused by a gradual increase of the brown pigment in the iris. The change in iris color is slow and may not be noticeable for months.

When administered to animals for 12 months, one of ten animals exhibited increased pigmentation of the iris.

The manufacturer reports after 12 months of therapy an increased length in eyelashes (>= 1 mm) in approximately 10% to 14% of patients and a decreased length in eyelashes in 7% of patients.[Ref]

Respiratory

Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, increased cough, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis[Ref]

Nervous system

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, headache[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Back pain[Ref]

Metabolic

Common (1% to 10%): Diabetes mellitus[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension

Postmarketing reports: Palpitations[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Postmarketing reports: Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Accidental injury, pain[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Common (1% to 10%): Allergic reaction[Ref]

General

The most commonly reported side effects were burning/stinging, dry eyes, itching, and increased length of eyelashes.[Ref]

Immunologic

Common (1% to 10%): Flu-like syndrome[Ref]

Psychiatric

Common (1% to 10%): Insomnia[Ref]

References

1. Product Information. Rescula (unoprostone ophthalmic). Ciba Vision Ophthalmics. 2001;PROD.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer