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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the eye’s optic nerve, which can be caused by extra fluid that increases pressure in the eye.

Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. It develops gradually and often goes unnoticed at first. Regular eye exams are important to find early signs of damage to the optic nerve.

Is there a cure for glaucoma?

While there is no cure for glaucoma, studies show that lowering high eye pressure can help reduce the risk of glaucoma-related vision loss. That's why treatment of high eye pressure is very important. Remember, high eye pressure can slowly, but permanently, damage your optic nerve before you notice any change in vision.

What can I do to manage my glaucoma or high eye pressure?

Your doctor can recommend a prescription eye drop to help you manage your glaucoma or high eye pressure. One option is COMBIGAN®.

What is COMBIGAN®?

Twice-daily COMBIGAN® is a prescription treatment proven to lower eye pressure for glaucoma patients who require additional medication.

COMBIGAN® is approved to lower pressure in the eyes of people with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (both conditions involve high pressure in the eye) who require additional or adjunctive IOP-lowering therapy.

IOP=intraocular pressure.

Why did my doctor choose COMBIGAN® therapy?

Prescription eye drops are commonly used to reduce high eye pressure. Adding COMBIGAN® has been proven to help lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma who require additional eye medication.

How do I use COMBIGAN®?

Apply COMBIGAN® eye drops exactly as your eye doctor prescribed. The recommended dose is 1 drop of COMBIGAN® in the affected eye(s) twice a day, 12 hours apart. If you use more than 1 type of eye drop, just be sure to apply them at least 5 minutes apart.

If you have open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, it is important to continue your COMBIGAN® therapy. Don't skip or stop treatment (unless you have spoken to your doctor). Remembering to use your eye drops is easier if you make it part of your daily routine.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them first, then wait 15 minutes after using COMBIGAN® before you put them back into your eyes.

What are the most common side effects of COMBIGAN®?

In a year-long study, the most common adverse reactions occurring in approximately 5% to 15% of patients (n=385) included:

  • Allergic inflammation of the eye
  • Abnormally large lymph follicles in the mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelid and the exposed surface of the eyeball (also called the conjunctiva)
  • Eye redness
  • Severe itching of the eyes
  • Burning and stinging of the eyes

COMBIGAN® eye drops can be absorbed by your body. Contact your eye care professional right away if you experience any of the following potentially serious side effects:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Visual changes
  • Irregular heartbeat and/or slowing of your heart rate

COMBIGAN® ophthalmic solution may cause fatigue and/or drowsiness. If you drive or perform hazardous work, such as operating machinery, make sure you feel appropriately alert. Ocular hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, with some reported to be associated with an increase in intraocular pressure.

These risks are not the only risks associated with COMBIGAN®. If you experience these or other side effects, you should immediately contact your eye doctor.

How can I save on my COMBIGAN® prescription?

Eligible commercially-insured patients may pay as little as $30* per 90-day prescription fill. To access savings on your COMBIGAN® prescription, enroll online here. You can also enroll for discounts by calling 1-833-DIAL-AYS (1-833-342-5297), or texting SAVINGS to 72428.


*Maximum savings limits apply; patient out-of-pocket expense will vary depending on insurance coverage. Offer valid for patients with commercial prescription insurance coverage and a valid prescription for LUMIGAN® 0.01%, COMBIGAN®, or ALPHAGAN® P 0.1%. Offer not valid for patients enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, or any other federal, state, or government-funded healthcare program. See At Your Service Savings Program Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility Criteria at SaveWithAYS.com.

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USE

COMBIGAN® (brimonidine tartrate/timolol maleate ophthalmic solution) 0.2%/0.5% is used for the reduction of high eye pressure, also called intraocular pressure (IOP), in patients with glaucoma who require additional (or adjunctive) IOP-lowering therapy. COMBIGAN® lowers IOP slightly less than taking both brimonidine tartrate 3 times a day and timolol maleate 2 times a day.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION


Do not use COMBIGAN® 0.2%/0.5%:
  • If you have reactive airway disease, including bronchial asthma, a history of bronchial asthma, or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • If you have a very serious heart condition that causes a slowing of heart rate, such as sinus bradycardia (slow heart rate), second- or third-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, overt cardiac failure, or cardiogenic shock
  • In neonates and infants (under the age of 2 years)
  • If you are allergic or hypersensitive to any of the ingredients
  • COMBIGAN® 0.2%/0.5% contains timolol maleate, a beta-blocker. With use of beta-blockers, there is a potential for severe respiratory or cardiac reactions (a range of conditions affecting the lungs or heart). These severe reactions may include death due to bronchospasm in patients with asthma and in patients with a history of heart failure and/or mild or moderate chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or similar lung conditions.

COMBIGAN® 0.2%/0.5% should be used with caution in patients with:
  • Depression
  • Cerebral or coronary insufficiency (conditions that result in reduced blood supply to the brain or heart)
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon (a condition that results in reduced blood supply, most commonly, to the fingers and toes)
  • Orthostatic hypotension (a form of low blood pressure that occurs when standing after sitting or lying down)
  • Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger’s disease) (condition that results in reduced blood supply to the arms and legs, usually presenting in fingers and feet)
  • A propensity for or a history of: severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic reactions to a variety of allergens
  • New or worsening muscle weakness and/or other symptoms of myasthenia gravis (eyelid droop, double vision, and generalized weakness)
  • Diabetes and spontaneous low blood sugar; the symptoms of sudden low blood sugar may be masked
  • Hyperthyroidism

Avoid allowing the tip of the dispensing bottle to touch the eye, anything around the eye, fingers, or any other surface to avoid contamination by common bacteria known to cause eye infections (bacterial keratitis). Using contaminated solutions can cause serious damage to the eye and loss of vision. Always replace the cap after using. Do not use after the expiration date marked on the bottle or if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy.

If you have eye surgery, eye trauma or infection, or develop any eye reactions, immediately consult with your physician about continuing the use of COMBIGAN® 0.2%/0.5%.

If you use more than one drug in the eye, be sure to wait at least 5 minutes between each drug application.

COMBIGAN® 0.2%/0.5% contains an ingredient that may be absorbed by and cause discoloration of soft contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using COMBIGAN® 0.2%/0.5%. Then wait 15 minutes after using COMBIGAN® 0.2%/0.5% before you put your contacts back into your eyes.

As with other similar medications, COMBIGAN® 0.2%/0.5% may cause fatigue and/or drowsiness in some patients. Patients who engage in hazardous activities should be aware of the potential for a decrease in mental alertness.

The most common side effects (5%-15%) in the clinical trial include allergic eye reaction, inflammation of the conjunctiva (“pink eye”), eye redness, itchy eye, eye burning, and stinging sensations. These are not all of the possible side effects with COMBIGAN® 0.2%/0.5%. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Please see full Prescribing Information or visit https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/combigan_pi.pdf.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.