Precautions in use and handling of travoprost

Pregnancy Loss Signal from Prostaglandin Eye Drop Use in Pregnancy: A Disproportionality Analysis Using Japanese and US Spontaneous Reporting Databases

Background

There is limited research regarding the use of glaucoma medicines during pregnancy. Prostaglandins contract uterine smooth muscle; however, it is not clear whether prostaglandin eye drops are associated with pregnancy loss in pregnant women.

Objectives

We conducted a pharmacovigilance study using spontaneous report databases from Japan and the USA to evaluate the association between pregnancy loss and the use of prostaglandin eye drops during pregnancy.

Methods

The Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database and the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System were used for analysis. Disproportionality analyses and a review of individual case safety reports were conducted.

Results

As for prostaglandin eye drops in pregnancy-related reports, there were eight reports involving latanoprost in the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database and no reports of pregnant women using other prostaglandin eye drops. In the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, there were 25 reports involving latanoprost, 23 involving bimatoprost, 13 involving travoprost, and three involving tafluprost. The drug safety signal was detected during latanoprost usage and pregnancy loss. In the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database, there were five reports of pregnancy loss related to latanoprost, with a reporting odds ratio of 12.84 (95% confidence interval 3.06–53.86), and in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System, pregnancy loss was reported in 12 cases of latanoprost usage with a reporting odds ratio of 4.35 (95% confidence interval 1.98–9.54). Uterine contractions were observed as concomitant adverse events in one case.

Conclusions

Although a disproportionality analysis cannot determine causality, we need to keep an eye on the signal detected in this study. This signal should be validated using a causal design study.

Fixed combination netarsudil-latanoprost for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension

Introduction: Reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only known modifiable risk factor for prevention and treatment of glaucoma. Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors are a new class of glaucoma medications introduced recently with novel mechanisms of action and favorable safety profiles. Latanoprost, a common first line drug used for treatment of glaucoma, does not adequately control pressures in all cases. Addition of more than one anti-glaucoma medication affects patient compliance and adherence. Fixed-combination eye drops are combinations of two or more active drugs in a single dosage form, thus simplify dosing. New to this group is the fixed combination netarsudil- latanoprost (FCNL).Area covered: This review focuses on FCNL, its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. It also details the efficacy and safety of individual drugs compared to FCNL.Expert opinion: The combination of latanoprost and netarsudil is a potent medication and modulates all known targets for IOP reduction in a single drop and has been shown to be more effective than either drug alone. FCNL is an alternative for those with inadequately controlled IOP on a prostaglandin analog alone, as well as those for whom a simplified regimen is desirable, or those who are not good candidates for other classes of glaucoma medications.

Glaucoma medications in pregnancy

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive disease of the optic nerve which is relatively uncommon in childbearing age; however, its management is a real challenge. Although the intraocular pressure decreases in pregnancy, many glaucoma patients continue to require treatment. In addition to the side effects, antiglaucoma medications on the mother, the possible side effects of drugs on the fetus must be taken into account. The only antiglaucoma medication categorized in Category B is brimonidine, and all others are in Category C. Most evidence on glaucoma medications in pregnancy comes from single case reports or animal studies with the limitations that these impose. Theoretically, glaucoma medications may damage the fetus; however, they may not have substantial clinical significance with routine dosages and no topical antiglaucoma agents have strong evidence of safety to the fetus based on the human studies. When discussing possible options for glaucoma management with the pregnant patient, it is important to emphasize the lack of definitive studies and the patient may be involved in the therapeutic decision-making process.