Impact of preservatives' elimination on tolerance and efficacy of latanoprost

Abstract

Purpose To compare the tolerance and efficacy of preservative‐free latanoprost (latanoprost‐PF) after switching from benzalkonium chloride containing agent (latanoprost‐BAK). Methods 140 patients with glaucoma or OHT controlled by latanoprost–BAK were included into the study. At a baseline visit (D0) a new formulation of latanoprost‐FP (Monoprost ®, Laboratoires Thea) was introduced. An observation was conducted, including three visits after 15, 45 and 90 days from the baseline (D15, D45, D90 respectively). The following outcomes were evaluated: BCVA, IOP, TBUT, corneal fluorescein staining and subjective assessment of tolerance by patient using 10‐ point VAS scale (0 ‐ very good, 10 ‐ very poor tolerance). Results Mean IOP during all subsequent visits was reduced compared to the baseline (p <0.006 vs D0) and measured 15.95 mmHg,15.37 mmHg, 15.33 mmHg and 15.27 mmHg at D0, D15, D45 and D90, respectively. TBUT was improved in 23.4% of patients at D45 and in 29.7% of patients at D90, but deteriorated in 8% of cases at both time points. It remained unchanged in 68.6% and 62%of patients at D45 and D90, respectively. A conjunctival hypaeremia was present in 56.8% and in 13,7%, 2,2% and 1,6% of patients at D0, D15, D45 and D90 visits, respectively. Subjective assessment of tolerance showed an improvement from 5.3 at baseline to 1.91 at D90 (p <0.0001). Conclusion Preservative‐free latanoprost has at least the same IOP‐lowering efficacy in comparison to BAK‐preserved latanoprost. Latanoprost‐PF has a better tolerability profile which may translate into better control of the treatment and better quality of life for the patient.