Rocklatan Side Effects: What They Are and How to Manage Them
Rocklatan (netarsudil/latanoprost ophthalmic solution) is prescribed to help reduce eye pressure in people with certain conditions. The drug can cause side effects that range from mild to serious, including red eye and eye pain.
Specifically, Rocklatan is used to help reduce eye pressure in adults who have:
- open-angle glaucoma
- ocular hypertension (high eye pressure)
The active ingredients in Rocklatan are netarsudil and latanoprost. The drug comes as a liquid solution that’s used as eye drops.
Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Rocklatan can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
What are the more common side effects of Rocklatan?
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Rocklatan treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:
- red eye (See the “Side effects explained” section to learn more.)
- pain in the eye
- broken and bleeding blood vessels in the eye
- golden-brown or gray particle buildup in the eye
The following sections include more side effects of Rocklatan. Each person’s experience with side effects may differ.
What are the mild side effects of Rocklatan?
Mild side effects have been reported with Rocklatan. These include:
- itchy eye
- pain or discomfort in the eye
- red eye (See the “Side effects explained” section to learn more.)
- broken and bleeding blood vessels in the eye
- increased tear production
- blurred vision
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop using Rocklatan unless your doctor recommends it.
Rocklatan may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.
What are the serious side effects of Rocklatan?
Serious side effects have been reported with Rocklatan. These include:
- color changes in the eyelid, eyelash, and iris
- changes in the eyelash
- golden-brown or gray particle buildup in the eye (cornea verticillata)
- macular edema, which is fluid buildup in a part of your eye (See the “Side effects explained” section to learn more.)
- reduced sharpness and clarity in the vision
If you develop serious side effects while using Rocklatan, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Rocklatan, visit MedWatch.
Allergic reaction
For some people, Rocklatan can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep using Rocklatan.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
Your doctor can confirm whether you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Rocklatan. If so, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Side effects explained
Learn more about some of the side effects Rocklatan may cause.
Red eye
Red eye was a common side effect reported in studies of Rocklatan. Red eye may cause symptoms such as red spots in the white of your eye.
Factors that can increase your risk of red eye when using Rocklatan include having dry eyes and being exposed to things that can irritate your eyes, such as smoke, pollution, and dust.
What might help
Talk with your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of red eye that are severe and bothersome. They may be able to provide recommendations to relieve this side effect. They may also recommend switching to a different medication to help manage your eye pressure.
Macular edema
Macular edema was a serious side effect reported in studies of Rocklatan. Macular edema is fluid buildup in a part of your eye. It may cause symptoms such as:
- blurred vision that worsens over time
- dullness of colors in your vision
- changes in your vision, such as objects looking wavy
Certain eye conditions may increase your risk of macular edema when using Rocklatan. These include diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
What might help
Talk with your doctor right away if you develop any of the above symptoms during your Rocklatan treatment. They will likely switch you to a different medication to help manage your eye pressure.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Rocklatan treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start a new drug or a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
- what dose of the drug you were using when you had the side effect
- how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
- what your symptoms were
- how your symptoms affected your daily activities
- what other medications you were taking
- any other information you feel is important
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Rocklatan affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Warnings for Rocklatan
Below is important information you should consider before using Rocklatan.
Warnings
Rocklatan can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Rocklatan is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before you use Rocklatan. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
- eye inflammation problems, such as iritis or uveitis
- herpetic keratitis, which is eye inflammation caused by herpesvirus
- eye lens problems, such as having no eye lens or having a torn eye lens
- past allergic reaction to Rocklatan
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- alcohol consumption
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
What is Rocklatan?
Rocklatan is a prescription eye drop used to lower elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
What are the most common side effects of Rocklatan?
Common side effects of Rocklatan include eye redness, discomfort, and increased tear production. These are usually mild and temporary.
Are there any serious side effects associated with Rocklatan?
Serious side effects are rare but may include severe eye irritation, vision changes, or allergic reactions. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
How can I manage the side effects of Rocklatan?
Managing side effects may involve using the medication as directed, avoiding touching your eyes, and reporting any severe or persistent symptoms to your eye care professional.
Should I stop using Rocklatan if I experience side effects?
Do not stop using Rocklatan without consulting your doctor. They can provide guidance on how to manage side effects or adjust your treatment plan.
Can Rocklatan interact with other medications?
Yes, Rocklatan can interact with other medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking.
Who should not use Rocklatan?
People allergic to any of its components or those with certain medical conditions should not use Rocklatan. Consult with a doctor to determine if it’s safe for you.
How should Rocklatan be stored?
Store Rocklatan in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Keep it out of reach of children.
Can I wear contact lenses while using Rocklatan?
Remove contact lenses before applying Rocklatan and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them to ensure proper absorption.
