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Overview: Rhopressa is used to lower increased pressure in the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It works by helping fluid drain from the eye, which helps lower pressure in the eye. Common side effects include eye redness, eye pain or discomfort, and a red spot on the white of the eye caused by bleeding under the surface. Call your health care provider right away if you have trouble breathing, a racing heart, eye pain, or decreased vision.

Uses

What is Rhopressa used for?

Rhopressa is commonly used to reduce increased pressure in the eye in people with either open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Rhopressa may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Rhopressa work (mechanism of action)?

Rhopressa is a medicine classified as a Rho kinase inhibitor. People with glaucoma or ocular hypertension have high intraocular pressure (IOP), or high pressure inside the eye. Having high IOP increases the risk for vision loss because of damage to the optic nerve in the eyes. Rhopressa works by helping the fluid in the eye drain out, which helps decrease IOP.

How is Rhopressa supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names 

  • Rhopressa

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.02% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store Rhopressa?

Before opening the bottle, Rhopressa should be stored in the refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). After you open the bottle, you can store it either in the refrigerator or at room temperature between 36 F and 77 F (2 C and 25 C) for up to 6 weeks. If you store Rhopressa in the refrigerator after opening, you can use it until the expiration date that is stamped on the bottle.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Rhopressa?

The most common side effects of Rhopressa are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Eye redness
  • Eye pain or discomfort
  • A red spot on the white part of the eye caused by bleeding under the surface

There may be other side effects of Rhopressa that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Rhopressa?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Rhopressa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rhopressa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Rhopressa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Eye Surface Swelling. Rhopressa may cause swelling and fluid buildup in the outermost, protective layer of the eye’s surface (epithelial corneal edema). Your risk may be higher if you already have certain cornea problems or have had an eye procedure that can affect the cornea. Contact your health care provider if you have eye pain or decreased vision while using Rhopressa.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Rhopressa?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Rhopressa.

  • Netarsudil
  • Rhopressa
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Rhopressa.

What should I know about Rhopressa before using it?

Do not use Rhopressa unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Rhopressa with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Rhopressa out of the reach of children. If you keep your medicine in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

If you use more than one eye medicine, wait at least 5 minutes in between using them. 

Remove contact lenses before putting in your eye drops. You can put them back in at least 15 minutes after you administer the eye drops.

Do not allow the tip of the eye drop container to touch the eye or the area around the eyes. If the tip touches any surface, you could get a serious infection in your eye that could lead to eye damage and vision loss. 

If you have any type of eye problems or reactions while using Rhopressa, call your health care provider right away. This may include problems with the eye or eyelid, such as eye injury, infection, eye swelling and redness, or vision changes or loss. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using Rhopressa?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Rhopressa is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Any type of eye problem, including eye infection, or cornea problems
  • A history of eye surgery

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Rhopressa could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Rhopressa passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Rhopressa while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Rhopressa?

For more information about Rhopressa, you can visit the drugmaker's website at rhopressa.myalcon.com or call them at 855‑740-1924.

Interactions

Does Rhopressa interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Rhopressa and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Rhopressa.

Does Rhopressa interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Rhopressa and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Rhopressa?

If you or someone else has used too much Rhopressa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Rhopressa?

If you miss a dose, use your next dose the following evening as usual. Do not use double or extra doses.