Rhopressa
Rhopressa is a brand-name medication prescribed for lowering eye pressure in adults. Rhopressa belongs to a group of drugs called Rho kinase inhibitors.
Rhopressa is a brand-name medication prescribed for lowering eye pressure in adults. Rhopressa belongs to a group of drugs called Rho kinase inhibitors.
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- • 2.5ml of .02pct
- • 1 Bottle
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on August 4, 2023
Rhopressa is a brand-name medication prescribed for lowering eye pressure in adults. Rhopressa belongs to a group of drugs called Rho kinase inhibitors.
FAQs
Common questions about Rhopressa
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Rhopressa.
Is Rhopressa similar to latanoprost? Can you use Rhopressa and latanoprost together?
No, Rhopressa and latanoprost are different kinds of medications. Latanoprost belongs to a group of drugs called prostaglandin analogs.
Even though they’re different kinds of drugs, both lower eye pressure. But they work in different ways. To lower eye pressure, doctors often prescribe these drugs together rather than prescribing them alone. In fact, a brand-name medication called Rocklatan combines both drugs into one eye drop.
To learn more about how these two drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does Rhopressa work? And how long does it take to start working?
Rhopressa works by increasing the natural flow of fluid out of the eye. This relieves pressure inside the eye. The exact way it does this isn’t totally clear. It’s likely related to blocking an enzyme called Rho kinase. This enzyme has several effects on the flow of eye fluid.
Rhopressa will start lowering eye pressure within a couple of hours of using it. It can take about 8 hours to see its maximum effect.
If you’d like to know more about how Rhopressa works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of Rhopressa
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Rhopressa for certain conditions. Approved uses for Rhopressa are described below.
Use for lowering eye pressure
Doctors may prescribe Rhopressa eye drops for treating high intraocular pressure. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With high intraocular pressure, the pressure inside the eye is too great. Increased pressure inside the eye can cause symptoms, including eye pain and vision changes. Eventually, it can lead to glaucoma, a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve. Glaucoma can cause serious vision problems, including blindness.
Side effects
Side effects of Rhopressa
Rhopressa may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Rhopressa and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about Rhopressa’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for Rhopressa listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with some forms of Rhopressa are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Rhopressa’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Rhopressa listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Rhopressa’s mild side effects include:
- broken blood vessel on the surface of the eye
- corneal verticillata (a whorl-like pattern of gray or brown on the surface of the eye that usually doesn’t cause vision problems and is reversible)
- eye redness
- pain when you use the eye drops
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Rhopressa” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Rhopressa are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Rhopressa’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Rhopressa listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, Rhopressa’s serious side effects include:
- bacterial eye infections
- contact lens discoloration
- vision problems
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Rhopressa” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for Rhopressa
Below you’ll find information about Rhopressa’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of Rhopressa
Rhopressa isn’t known to interact with any medications or supplements. (Interactions can affect how a drug works.) But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with Rhopressa won’t happen or be reported sometime. For instance, medications created at a later time could interact with Rhopressa.
Because of this, it’s important to ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible interactions with Rhopressa. They can check for any interactions that may affect you, such as those with:
- vaccines
- foods or alcohol
- other drugs
Warnings for Rhopressa
Rhopressa should be used cautiously by certain people.
Rhopressa could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Rhopressa is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Rhopressa, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Rhopressa can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Rhopressa or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Rhopressa. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to Rhopressa, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of Rhopressa
If you use Rhopressa, you should not use more Rhopressa than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve used too much Rhopressa, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Rhopressa
Information about Rhopressa and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Rhopressa and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Rhopressa should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Rhopressa and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Rhopressa should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about Rhopressa or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does Rhopressa compare with other medications that could treat my condition?
- What should I know about Rhopressa and contact lens use?
- How should I use Rhopressa?
- What should I know about using Rhopressa and other eye drops?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution) 0.02%, for topical ophthalmic use. (2019). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/208254s003lbl.pdf
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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