Everything You Need to Know About Glaucoma Eye Drops
Glaucoma eye drops lower eye pressure, protecting your vision long term. Learn about the best glaucoma drops, how to use them, and side effects.
Rocklatan
Used for Glaucoma
Used for Glaucoma
Rocklatan is a combination eye drop that contains two medications: netarsudil (a ROCK or rho-kinase inhibitor) and latanoprost (a prostaglandin). Rocklatan is approved for use in adults to treat conditions related to high pressure in the eye, including glaucoma. It's given as a drop into the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) should be refrigerated, but it can be stored at room temperature for up to 6 weeks after opening. Side effects include eye redness and eye pain. It's also possible for the medication to cause iris color changes.
What is Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost)?
What is Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) used for?
- Lowering pressure in the eye in people with ocular hypertension (high pressure in the eye) or open-angle glaucoma
How Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) works
Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) is a combination eye drop made up of two medications. Netarsudil is a ROCK (rho-kinase) inhibitor and latanoprost is a prostaglandin. Both types of medications help to drain fluid from your eye(s). This helps lower your eye pressure.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Rocklatan |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | ROCK inhibitor / Prostaglandin |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Eye redness (59%)
- Eye pain after placing the drop into the eye (20%)
- Corneal deposits (15%)
- Red spot in the eye (popped blood vessel in the eye; 11%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Itchy eye
- Watery eye
- Eye discomfort
- Dry eyes
- Blurry vision
The following Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Change in vision
- New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Blurry vision
- Change in eye, eyelash, or eyelid color
- Eye irritation or itching
- Increase in length, thickness, or number of eyelashes
- Increased tears after use
- Sensitivity to light
Get your GoodRx coupon
$480.49
GoodRx discount
$353.99
Pros and cons of Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost)
Pros
- Contains latanoprost as one of the active ingredients, which is a first-choice treatment option for glaucoma
- Combines two medications into a single eye drop for convenience
- Convenient once-a-day dosing
Cons
- Can permanently darken the color of your eyes
- No lower-cost generic available; brand-name medication only
Pharmacist tips for Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost)
- Mark your appointments to see your optometrist or ophthalmologist on your calendar. You'll need regular eye exams so that your eye specialist can check how well Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) is working for you and whether there are any side effects related to the eyes.
- Take out any soft contact lenses from your eye(s) before you place Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) drops into your eye(s). The eye drops contain a preservative called benzalkonium chloride that can damage your contacts. You can put your contacts back in 15 minutes after you use the eye drops.
- Keep the bottle and tip of Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) clean and free of bacteria (sterile). Make sure to keep the bottle capped and closed tightly when you're not using it. And don't touch the dropper tip with your hands, to your eye, or to any other surface. Otherwise, germs can get into medication and contaminate it. This can cause eye infections if you use the medication afterwards.
- You might need many different eye drop medications to help lower your eye pressure. If you're using other eye drop medications in the evening at the same time as Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost), wait 5 minutes between each medication to give your eye(s) time to absorb each one.
- If you forget to use Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) one night, just skip the dose. Use the medication the next evening. Don't double up to make up for the missed dose.
How to use Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost):
- Make sure you know how to use the Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) eye drops to avoid accidentally hurting yourself or wasting any of the medication. Review the steps on how to use eye drops, and ask your eye specialist or pharmacist if you have any questions about using the medication.
- First, wash your hands well with soap and water. Then, tilt your head back so you're looking at the ceiling. Use your index (pointer) finger to pull your lower eyelid down to form a pocket. Gently squeeze 1 drop of medication into the pocket. Then, close your eye and lightly press on the inside corner of your eye for at least a minute.
- You can wipe away any extra liquid that might be on your skin with a clean tissue.
Risks and warnings for Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost)
Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Darker eyes, eyelashes, or eyelids
Rocklatan contains latanoprost, which is a medication that can darken the color of your eyes, eyelashes, and eyelids. This change in color happens because latanoprost raises the levels of melanin in your eyes. Melanin is a protein that's responsible for the color of certain parts of your eyes.
The change in color might not be noticeable until after a few months or years of using Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost). Color changes in the iris (the circular colored part of your eye) are most likely permanent. Your eyelashes and the skin around your eyes might also become darker, but this usually goes away after you stop using the medication. These side effects aren't known to be harmful, but it's best to regularly check in with your prescriber so they can make sure your eyes stay healthy.
Eyelash changes
Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) can make your eyelashes grow in length or thickness over time. It can also make your eyelashes grow in different directions or make you have more eyelashes. These changes are typically reversible when you stop the medication. Speak with your prescriber if you're concerned about eyelash changes that you notice while you're using Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost).
Eye inflammation
- Risk factors: Current eye inflammation (e.g., uveitis)
Medications containing latanoprost, such as Rocklatan, can cause or worsen eye inflammation (redness and swelling). These problems might be more likely to happen if you already have eye inflammation. Talk to your prescriber if you notice eye discomfort or changes in your vision while you're using Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost).
Swelling of the retina (macular edema)
- Risk factors: History of eye problems (e.g., not having a lens inside your eye, having a false lens in your eye) | Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) | Genetic eye problems | Other eye problems (e.g., inflammation, blocked veins in the eye) | Eye surgery | Using other medications that can cause macular edema
Rocklatan contains latanoprost, which is a medication that can potentially cause swelling of the retina (also known as macular edema). Your risk for macular edema might be higher if you have a false lens in your eye(s). Macular edema can cause changes in vision, such as blurry vision or dull color vision. Contact your prescriber right away if you notice any changes in vision while you're using Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost).
Risk for bacterial or viral eye infection when using contaminated medication
- Risk factors: History of herpes infection in the eye | Corneal disease | Injury or damage to the surface of the eye
Eye infections can happen if the medication inside your Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) bottle gets contaminated with germs and then you use the drops in your eyes. Some people who used contaminated eye drops developed bacterial keratitis, a bacterial infection of the cornea (the protective covering on the front of the eye). It's important to wash your hands before each time you use Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost). Be careful not to let the dropper tip touch your eye or to any other surface.
In addition, using Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) can trigger herpes infections of the eye (herpetic keratitis) to come back. Avoid using Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) if you currently have a herpes infection in the eye because it can worsen eye inflammation. Let your prescriber know if you currently have or have had a herpes infection.
Don't use while wearing soft contact lenses
Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride. This preservative can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause damage to the lenses. Take out your soft contact lenses each time before you place Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) drops into your eye(s). Wait at least 15 minutes after your dose before putting your contacts back in.
Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) dosage
The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 2.5ml of 0.02%/0.005% of Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) is $353.99 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 26.33% off the average retail price of $480.49. 
Eye dropper
Eye dropper| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5ml of 0.02%/0.005% | 1 eye dropper | $353.99 | $353.99 |
Typical dosage for Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost)
The typical dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening.
This medication contains 0.02% of netarsudil and 0.005% of latanoprost.
How much does Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Rocklatan (brand)
$353.99
What are alternatives to Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Rocklatan (netarsudil / latanoprost)
