Medicamentos nuevos para el glaucoma: Preguntas y respuestas

En este artículo de “Preguntas y respuestas”, obtenga información acerca de los nuevos medicamentos para el glaucoma disponibles en 2019, por qué son diferentes de los tratamientos existentes, y sus posibles efectos secundarios.

What new medications are available for glaucoma?

Vyzulta® (latanoprostene bunod 0.024 ophthalmic solution) was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (  FDA ) on November 2, 2017. Rhopressa® (netarsudil 0.02 ophthalmic solution) was approved by the  FDA  on December 18 of 2017.

How are these medications administered?

One drop is applied every night to the affected eye(s).

How do these medications work?

Latanoprostene bunod is a molecule that splits after it is placed in the eye into two active components. One of the components, latanoprost, is a medication commonly used to lower eye pressure that improves drainage through a pathway known as the uveoscleral pathway. Nitric oxide is also produced, a molecule normally produced in the human body that relaxes the cells in the drainage angle of the eye, allowing drainage to be improved through the traditional route.

Netarsudil serves a similar function to nitric oxide in relaxing trabecular meshwork cells in the drainage of the eye, and there is some overlap in the effect of netarsudil and nitric oxide.

How do these medications compare to current medications and to each other?

These medications present a new mechanism to improve fluid drainage from the eye. Both have been shown to reduce blood pressure considerably and are comparable to current medications. Because they work in a unique way, these medications may have the potential to further lower eye pressure in patients already using other glaucoma medications.

What are the possible side effects of these medications?

The most common side effects are generally mild and limited to the eyes. Vyzulta has similar side effects to the latanoprost component alone, including redness in and around the eyes, eyelash growth, permanent darkening of the iris color, and irritation. Rhopressa can cause redness and irritation, as well as pigmentation in the cornea, which does not usually affect vision.

Editor’s note:  While these new medications may be very effective in some people, they may not work for everyone, and because they are new to the market, they are expensive and may not be covered by insurance. The content of this article does not constitute medical advice, and treatment should be administered under the supervision of a doctor. Talk about possible side effects with your doctor.