Travacom (Travoprost/Timolol)

What is Travacom?

Travacom can be described as an ophthalmic medicine with two active ingredients: travoprost and timolol. It’s used to reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) for patients suffering from Ocular hypertension or glaucoma, as well as to protect against visual nerve injury and loss.

What are travoprost and timolol?

• Travoprost can be described as a prostaglandin analog that increases the flow of the aqueous humor (fluid) out of the eye, which in turn reduces the pressure in the intraocular area.
• Timolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker with no selectivity, which reduces the production of Aqueous humor and also reduces the pressure inside the eye.

Together, they function to lower IOP better than each medication alone.

What conditions is Travacom prescribed for?

Travacom is used for treating:

• Open-angle glaucoma
• Ocular hypertension

Both of these conditions result in increasing pressure in the eye. This could affect the optic nerve and result in loss of vision when left untreated.

How does Travacom work?

Travoprost improves the drainage of fluid away from the eye. Likewise, Timolol reduces the production of fluid. Its combined effects reduce intraocular pressure and help safeguard the optic nerve and preserve vision.

How should I use Travacom?

• Make use of one drop Travacom within your affected eye(s) at least once a day at night, but preferably before bed.
• Make sure you wash your hands after making use of the drops.
• Be careful not to touch the tip of your dropper towards your eye, or any other surfaces, to keep it from getting contaminated.
• Close your eyes and then press on the inner edge with your fingertips for around 1-2 minutes after applying the cream to prevent it from being drained off.
• Give at least 5 mins before applying any other drops to your eyes.

Can I use Travacom with other eye medications?

Yes, sure, but you should wait a minimum of 5 minutes between applying various drops for your eyes. Discuss with your physician all the different eye drops you are using in order to prevent reactions.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you don’t remember the dose, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you’re nearing the time to take your next dose, do not skip the one you missed. Don’t double your dose.

What are the common side effects of Travacom?

The most common side effects are:

• Eye redness or irritation
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Increased eyelash growth or darkening
• Eye discomfort or itching

Are there serious side effects?

Rarely do you experience serious side effects, but they can be a result of:

• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, severe itching, difficulty breathing)
• Eye pain or sudden vision changes
• Signs of eye infection (discharge, swelling)
• Heart-related symptoms like slow heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting (due to timolol)

Consult a doctor if you have these symptoms.

Can Travacom affect heart or lung conditions?

Yes. Timolol is a beta-blocker that may affect your heart and lungs. Consult your physician if you suffer from any of the following:

• Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart block or slow heart rate
• Heart failure or other heart conditions

The doctor will assess whether Travacom is suitable for you.

Can I wear contact lenses while using Travacom?

Take off contact lenses prior to applying drops. Give at least 15 minutes before re-inserting lenses, as Preservatives contained in drops can irritate.

Can Travacom change eye color?

Travoprost can cause gradual darkening of the Iris (colored area of the eyes), particularly in those with irises of mixed colors. This may last for years.

Can Travacom affect eyelashes?

Yes, it can increase the length, thickness, and amount. The effect usually reverses following the discontinuation of the medication.

Is Travacom safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Consult your doctor before use. Travacom’s safety Travacom in the course of pregnancy or breastfeeding isn’t well established, so it is only recommended to use it in cases of absolute need.

How should I store Travacom?

• Keep at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.
• Make sure the bottle is tightly sealed.
• Don’t freeze.
• Be sure to keep away from young children.

Can Travacom interact with other medications?

Timolol’s systemic absorption can affect:

• Other beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Antiarrhythmic drugs
• Insulin or oral diabetes medications (may mask hypoglycemia symptoms)
• Other medicines that affect blood pressure or heart rate

Be sure to inform your doctor of any medication you are taking.

What precautions should I take?

• Your doctor should be informed of your complete medical history.
• Check for breathing problems or any heart issues.
• Follow the instructions only and do not stop abruptly.
• Beware of driving if your vision appears fuzzy after using drops.

Can Travacom cause dizziness or fatigue?

Yes, this is especially because of the timolol. If you feel dizzy, be cautious when working on machinery or driving.

What should I do if I experience eye irritation?

If it is only mild irritation, the condition may get better after a few days of use. If the irritation is persistent or severe you experience persistent irritation, consult your doctor.

Can Travacom be used in children?

In general, use in children is not advised unless it is prescribed by an eye doctor with careful observation.

How long does it take for Travacom to work?

A decrease in intraocular pressure could be noticed within an hour; however, the full effect could last for up to several weeks.

Can Travacom be used for angle-closure glaucoma?

Travacom is recommended for open-angle glaucoma as well as the hypertension of the ocular region, but not for glaucoma with angle closure.

What should I avoid while using Travacom?

• Do not touch the dropper tip on your eyes or on other surfaces.
• Beware of driving and other hazardous tasks when your eyesight is impaired.
• Beware of alcohol, which can cause the risk of dizziness.

Can Travacom cause dry eyes?

Yes, certain patients experience dry eyes. The use of artificial tears could be helpful, but you should consult a physician before using any of these products.

Can Travacom cause systemic side effects?

While it is mostly used for topical use, some absorption of timolol could be observed, causing adverse effects in the system, such as a slower heart rate, high blood pressure, fatigue, and respiratory disorders.

How do I know if Travacom is working?

The doctor monitors the intraocular pressure on a regular basis through examinations of the eyes.

Can Travacom cause blurred vision?

Yes, Blurred vision is a possibility. Be temporary after the application of drops.

Can I use Travacom if I have allergies?

Consult your physician if you suffer from an allergy to beta-blockers, prostaglandins, or other ingredients found in Travacom.

What should I do if I accidentally get more than one drop in my eye?

Don’t worry. Cleanse the eye with a tissue and avoid splashing your eye with water. Next dose is at an established time.

Can Travacom be used with glaucoma surgery?

Travacom can be utilized prior to or following surgery as prescribed by your optometrist.