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Overview: Upneeq is an eye drop medicine that temporarily lifts drooping eyelids. It works by targeting a muscle in the upper eyelid. Side effects may include eye redness, eye irritation, dry eyes, blurry vision, or headache. If you use other eye medicines, wait at least 15 minutes between each one. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Upneeq. You may put them back in after 15 minutes.

Uses

What is Upneeq used for?

Upneeq (oxymetazoline) is commonly used to treat drooping of the upper eyelid, also called acquired blepharoptosis.

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

How does Upneeq work (mechanism of action)?

Upneeq works by stimulating a muscle in the eyelid called Mueller’s muscle. This contracts the muscle, which lifts up the upper eyelid and reduces drooping.

How is Upneeq supplied (dosage forms)?

Upneeq is available as a 0.1% eye drop.

How should I store Upneeq?

Store Upneeq at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the containers in their child-resistant foil pouches until ready to use. Protect from excessive heat. Throw away the opened container right away after use.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Upneeq?

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

  • Eye tearing, redness, or discomfort
  • Dry eye
  • Blurred vision
  • Pain after applying the eye drops
  • Eye irritation
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Upneeq 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 Upneeq?

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

Glaucoma. Upneeq may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to vision loss. Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms of glaucoma.

  • Eye pain or redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Upneeq?

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

  • Oxymetazoline
  • Upneeq
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Upneeq before using it?

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

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

Keep Upneeq out of the reach of children.

Upneeq should only be applied to the surface of the eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine container to your eye or to any other surface to avoid eye injury or contamination.

Wash your hands before using Upneeq. Follow the Instructions for Use that comes with your prescription, so you know how to use Upneeq properly.  

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Upneeq. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting in your contacts again.

If you use other eye medicines along with Upneeq, wait at least 15 minutes between applying each medicine.

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

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 Upneeq 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.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Upneeq may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Upneeq, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.

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

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Upneeq 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 Upneeq while breastfeeding. 

How can I get more information about Upneeq?

For more information about Upneeq, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.upneeq.com or call them at 877-482-3788.

Interactions

Does Upneeq interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Upneeq.

Does Upneeq interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

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.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Upneeq.

  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • A beta-blocker, which is a medicine used for certain heart conditions
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • An alpha-blocker, which is a medicine that may be used to lower blood pressure or to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Upneeq. Always check with your health care provider.

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 Upneeq?

If you or someone else has used too much Upneeq, 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 Upneeq?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.