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Home > Drug Category > Glaucoma Medications > Saflutan and Equivalent

Saflutan Information

Saflutan (Tafluprost) is an ophthalmic solution that belongs to a class of medications called prostaglandin analogues. It is primarily used to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in conditions such as open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. These conditions can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss if left untreated. Saflutan works by increasing the outflow of aqueous humour, the natural fluid within the eye, thereby lowering the pressure. It can be prescribed as a monotherapy or in conjunction with other eye pressure-lowering medications.

Saflutan Side Effects

The most common side effects of Saflutan may include blurred vision, burning sensation in the eye, changes in eyelash length, thickness, color, and/or number (potentially permanent), periorbital hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin around the eyes, which can be reduced by wiping off excess solution), dry eyes, eye discharge, eye irritation, eye itching, eye pain, foreign body sensation in the eye, headache, increased iris pigmentation (potentially permanent), increased tearing, inflammation of the eyelids, photophobia (sensitivity to light), redness of the eye (conjunctival hyperemia), reduction in visual acuity (eye's ability to see details), stinging sensation in the eye, and superficial punctate keratitis (small spot-like areas of inflammation on the surface of the eye). Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Corneal erosion or ulceration
• Deepening of the eyelid sulcus (eyes appear sunken)
• Dyspnoea (difficulty breathing)
• Exacerbation of asthma
• Eye injury or infection
• Iritis/Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
• Macular edema (swelling of the retina), especially in aphakic or pseudophakic patients with a torn posterior lens capsule, or those with known risk factors.
• Severe eye pain or redness
• Sudden vision changes
• Swelling/redness of the eyelids

Saflutan Precautions

Do not use Saflutan if you are allergic to Tafluprost or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have a history of herpes simplex keratitis (especially active disease), aphakia (absence of the natural lens of the eye), asthma (worsening of asthma has been reported with prostaglandin analogues), cataract removal, corneal damage (phosphates in Saflutan may cause cloudy patches on the cornea in susceptible patients), eye injury, infection, or planned eye surgery, inflammatory conditions of the eye (e.g., iritis, uveitis – use with caution in active inflammation), kidney disease, known risk factors for cystoid macular edema, liver disease, or pseudophakia (presence of an artificial lens) with a torn posterior lens capsule. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. If you are using other eye drops, administer them at least 5 minutes apart from Saflutan. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are of childbearing potential. Adequate contraceptive measures must be taken, as Tafluprost can have harmful effects on pregnancy and/or the fetus based on animal studies. Saflutan should not be used during pregnancy unless necessary and the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed before using Saflutan. The excretion of tafluprost or its metabolites in human milk is unknown. Tafluprost should not be used during breastfeeding due to the potential risk. Do not use this medicine in children below 18 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Saflutan may cause transient blurred vision; therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until your vision returns to normal.

Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Do not instill more drops or use the medication more often than instructed, as this may reduce its effectiveness. Saflutan comes as a sterile, preservative-free eye drop solution in single-dose containers. Wash your hands thoroughly before use. Detach one single-dose container from the strip. Tilt your head back, pull down your lower eyelid to form a pocket, and instill one drop into the conjunctival sac. After instillation, close your eye for a moment and gently press the inner corner of your eye with your finger for about one minute. This helps prevent the eye drop from draining down the tear duct. Wipe off any excess solution from the skin around the eye to reduce the risk of skin darkening. Discard the opened single-dose container with any remaining solution immediately after use, even if there is solution left, to prevent contamination and eye infection. One container is sufficient for both eyes if needed. Do not stop using Saflutan without consulting your doctor, as discontinuing treatment may lead to an increase in eye pressure. Store unopened foil pouches in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C). Do not freeze. After opening the foil pouch, keep the single-dose containers in the original foil pouch. Do not store above 25°C. Discard any unused single-dose containers 28 days after opening the foil pouch for the first time. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Saflutan?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Saflutan.