Safety and tolerability of the tafluprost/timolol fixed combination for the treatment of glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: The preservative-free (PF) fixed combination (FC) of tafluprost 0.0015%/timolol 0.5% is the newest member of the prostaglandin analogue/timolol FC class. AREAS COVERED: In this review, we summarize data on safety and tolerability of this FC. EXPERT OPINION: The intraocular pressure-lowering effect of the tafluprost/timolol FC is approximately 30 - 35%, which is similar to that of the other members of the class. However, in contrast to most similar eye drops the tafluprost/timolol FC is manufactured in a PF, unit-dose pipette formulation. The PF nature eliminates preservative-related ocular surface changes, and improves tolerability. In clinical studies, the tafluprost/timolol FC was well tolerated. The side effects represented the typical side effects of the topical prostaglandin analogue class. The most common side effect, conjunctival hyperemia was mild, and occurred in only 6.4 - 8% of patients during 6 months of treatment. The figures for ocular irritation were also low (7.0 - 12.7%). The other side effects occurred only in very few patients. The frequency and severity of conjunctival hyperemia was lower than those published for most prostaglandin/timolol FCs. Thus, the main clinical advantage of this PF FC is improved tolerability, which may support treatment adherence of glaucoma patients.