Simbrinza vs. Combigan for Glaucoma and Eye Pressure: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Simbrinza

(brinzolamide / brimonidine)

Combigan

(brimonidine / timolol)

Summary for Simbrinza

Prescription only

Simbrinza is a combination eye drop containing two medications: brinzolamide (a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor) and brimonidine (an alpha-2 agonist). It's used to treat glaucoma and high pressure in the eye. The dosage for the eye drops is placed 1 drop placed directly into the eye(s) three times per day to lower the pressure in the eye. Simbrinza is not yet available as a lower-cost generic. Side effects include eye irritation, blurry vision, and changes in taste.

Indications for Simbrinza

Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people ages 2 years and older with:

Pros and Cons for Simbrinza

Pros

Works well to lower eye pressure
Conveniently combines two medications into one eye drop
Can use in children as young as 2 years old

Cons

Must use three times a day
Might not be safe if you're allergic to sulfa medications
Not available as a lower-cost generic

Common Side Effects for Simbrinza

Reported in up to 5% of people:

Blurry vision
Eye irritation
Changes in taste (e.g., bad taste in mouth)
Dry mouth
Eye allergy

Warnings for Simbrinza

Only use in the eye
Severe allergic reactions
Risk for swelling of the cornea in certain people
Risk for worsening of poor blood flow
Risk for eye infection (from contamination)
Take out soft contact lenses before using

Summary for Combigan

Prescription only

Combigan is a combination eye drop containing brimonidine (an alpha agonist) and timolol (a beta blocker). It's used to lower high pressure inside the eye in adults with conditions like glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Typically, you apply one drop to the affected eye(s) twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Common side effects include eye redness, itching, or dryness. Combigan (brimonidine / timolol) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications for Combigan

Treatment of high pressure in the eye in people ages 2 years and older with:

Pros and Cons for Combigan

Pros

Convenient to have a single eye drop that combines two different medications
Can be stored at room temperature
Possible option for children older than 2 years old

Cons

Used twice a day
Can cause tiredness or drowsiness in some people
Not for people with asthma, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or certain heart-related problems

Common Side Effects for Combigan

Reported in up to 15% of people in clinical studies:

Eye redness
Eye itching
Eye burning or stinging

Warnings for Combigan

Only use in the eye
Allergic reaction of the eye
Interaction with inhaled beta agonists for asthma or COPD
Worsening heart problems
Worsening of other medical conditions
Masked symptoms of low blood sugar in people with diabetes
Masked symptoms of high thyroid hormone levels (hyperthyroidism)

Prices with our coupons for Simbrinza vs. Combigan

Simbrinza1 eye dropper / 8ml of 1%/0.2%

$220.58$270.88

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Brimonidine/Timolol1 eye dropper / 5ml of 0.2%/0.5%

$28.18$244.36

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Simbrinza vs. Combigan

Simbrinza

Combigan

Summary for Simbrinza

Indications for Simbrinza

Pros and Cons for Simbrinza

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Simbrinza

Warnings for Simbrinza

Summary for Combigan

Indications for Combigan

Pros and Cons for Combigan

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Combigan

Warnings for Combigan

Prices with our coupons for Simbrinza vs. Combigan

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Simbrinza

Combigan

Summary for Simbrinza

Indications for Simbrinza

Pros and Cons for Simbrinza

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Simbrinza

Warnings for Simbrinza

Summary for Combigan

Indications for Combigan

Pros and Cons for Combigan

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Combigan

Warnings for Combigan