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HomeDrugsZioptan (tafluprost) Prices

tafluprost

Generic Zioptan

Used for Glaucoma, Eye Pressure

Zioptan (tafluprost) helps lower pressure in the eye and treats glaucoma. Like the other eye drops in the same medication class, it can cause changes to your eyelashes and eye color. It comes in convenient single-use containers, but it is only available as a brand medication, so it can be expensive.

Reviewed by:

Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on April 27, 2021

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Interactions Cost Alternatives Latest news Images Prices Medicare

What is Zioptan (tafluprost)?

What is Zioptan (tafluprost) used for?

High pressure in the eye caused by open-angle glaucoma (the most common type of glaucoma) or ocular hypertension (high pressure inside the eye)

How Zioptan (tafluprost) works

Zioptan (tafluprost) is a prostaglandin eye drop. It helps fluid drain from inside the eye. When there is less fluid inside the eye, the eye pressure goes down.

When does Zioptan (tafluprost) start working?

Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsZioptan

Drug ClassProstaglandin

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

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Avg retail price

$212.09(save 75.54%)

GoodRx discount

$51.87

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What are the side effects of Zioptan (tafluprost)?

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 (4-20%)
Eye stinging or irritation (7%)
Headache (6%)
Eye itching or redness due to allergy (5%)
Common cold (4%)

Other Side Effects

Cataract (cloudy lens of the eye)
Dry eye
Eye pain
Blurry vision
Eye inflammation
Darker eyelashes
Thicker eyelashes
Darker eyelid or eye color (iris)
Cough
Asthma attack or shortness of breath
Urinary tract infection

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Allergic reactions
Eye swelling or change in vision

When do Zioptan (tafluprost) possible side effects begin and end?

Time passed since treatment started:

MINUTES

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

MONTHS

Eye irritation

Red eye

Darkening skin color of eyelid

Eyelash growth

Change in iris color

If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Blurred vision

burning, dry, or itching eyes

decreased vision

eye discharge or excessive tearing

eye pain

redness, pain, or swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Headache

stinging or irritation of the eye

Less common

Cough

darker color of the eyelashes

dry eyes

increased growth of the eyelashes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pros and cons of Zioptan (tafluprost)

Pros

Good at treating high eye pressure

Only used once a day and comes in single-use containers

Is preservative-free, which may be less irritating to the eye

Cons

Can permanently change the color of your eyes

Doses inside a foil pouch must be used within 30 days after the pouch is opened.

Only available as a brand medication, so it can be more expensive than alternatives

Pharmacist tips for Zioptan (tafluprost)

Make sure to keep track of when you open a foil pouch (there's a spot for you to write it on the pouch), since the doses inside are only good for 30 days afterwards. Only take out one dose at a time, and keep unused containers inside the opened foil pouch at room temperature. Store unused pouches of Zioptan (tafluprost) in the refrigerator in an area where it won't get wet or spilled on.

Each container of Zioptan (tafluprost) is single-use only with enough medication for at least 2 drops (1 drop per eye, if both eyes are affected). After taking your dose, throw away the container, even if there's leftover medication inside. Unlike some bottled eye drop medications, Zioptan (tafluprost) doesn't contain preservatives, which makes it more likely to become contaminated with germs and cause infections if you re-use the container at a later time.

Wash your hands before putting Zioptan (tafluprost) drops in your eyes. Don't touch the dropper tip with your eye, hands, or any other surface. This will help you avoid eye infections by preventing the spread of germs and bacteria to the solution.

After placing a drop in the eye, close your eye and press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 minute. This helps make sure your eye absorbs the drop.

If you are using Zioptan (tafluprost) at the same time as other eye medications, wait 5 minutes between each drop to give your eyes time to absorb each medication.

It's not easy to tell if your eye pressure is improving at home. Make sure to use this medication as prescribed, even if you don't notice any difference in your symptoms or vision right away.

Don't take more Zioptan (tafluprost) than prescribed. Taking this medication more than once daily can actually make it not work as well.

The makers of Zioptan (tafluprost) don't require that you remove your contact lenses before using this medication, but it is a good habit to avoid possible damage. If you remove your contacts, make sure to wait 15 minutes after using the eye drops to put them back in.

Frequently asked questions about Zioptan (tafluprost)

Does Zioptan (tafluprost) need to be refrigerated?

Zioptan (tafluprost) must be refrigerated until the foil pouch is ready to be opened. The original carton or package can be out of the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. If you get the medication by mail-order and it takes over 2 days to arrive, check with the pharmacy about whether it is still good to use. After opening the pouch, you can keep it at room temperature, and the doses inside are good for 30 days.

Is Zioptan (tafluprost) preservative-free?

Zioptan (tafluprost) is preservative-free. This is helpful, since it can be given to people who have allergies to preservatives like benzalkonium chloride, and it is less likely to cause damage to contact lenses.

Is there a generic for Zioptan (tafluprost)?

Currently, there is no generic form of Zioptan (tafluprost). Some other alternatives, such as latanoprost (Xalatan) and bimatoprost (Lumigan), are available as generic medications.

How long does it take Zioptan (tafluprost) to work?

Zioptan (tafluprost) takes about 2 to 4 hours to kick in and 12 hours to reach maximum effect. Your eye pressure is best controlled if you use this medication once a day in the evening consistently (without missing a dose). Your provider will re-check your eye pressure after you have been using Zioptan (tafluprost) for several weeks to make sure it is working properly for you.

Does Zioptan (tafluprost) make eyelashes grow?

Zioptan (tafluprost) can make you grow more eyelashes or cause your current eyelashes to become longer and thicker. This is a known side effect of all prostaglandin eye drops, including latanoprost (Xalatan) and bimatoprost (Lumigan). The eyelash effects usually go away after you stop using Zioptan (tafluprost).

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What are the risks and warnings for Zioptan (tafluprost)?

Zioptan (tafluprost) 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, EYELIDS, OR EYELASHES

Risk factors: Long-term use of Zioptan (tafluprost)

Prostaglandin eye drops like Zioptan (tafluprost) can darken the color of your eyes, eyelids, and eyelashes. The darker brown color of the eye is usually more noticeable after a few months or years of using Zioptan (tafluprost) and can be permanent. These side effects are not known to be harmful, but it's best to check in with your provider regularly so they can make sure your eyes stay healthy.

THICKER EYELASHES

Zioptan (tafluprost) can make your eyelashes grow longer and thicker. These changes usually go away after you stop using Zioptan (tafluprost).

EYE INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING

Risk factors: Eye inflammation, such as with iritis or uveitis | Missing or injured eye lens

Prostaglandins like Zioptan (tafluprost) can cause or worsen eye inflammation. Zioptan (tafluprost) can also cause swelling of the macula (macular edema), a part of the eye that's important for clear vision. Both of these problems are more likely to happen if you already have eye inflammation or if the lens of your eye is damaged or missing. Talk to your provider right away if you notice eye discomfort or changes in your vision while using Zioptan (tafluprost).

Zioptan (tafluprost) dosage forms

The average cost for 1 carton of 30 single-use containers of 0.0015% of Zioptan (tafluprost) is $164.05 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 22.65% off the average retail price of $212.09.

Carton

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
10 single-use containers of 0.0015%	1 carton	$51.87	$51.87
30 single-use containers of 0.0015%	1 carton	$164.05	$164.05

Typical dosing for Zioptan (tafluprost)

The typical dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening.

Interactions between Zioptan (tafluprost) and other drugs

Zioptan (tafluprost) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Zioptan (tafluprost). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.