Rocklatan (netarsudil/latanoprost) is a brand-name eye solution that’s prescribed to help reduce eye pressure in adults with certain eye conditions. As with other drugs, Rocklatan can cause side effects, such as eye pain and redness.

Rocklatan can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Rocklatan in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Rocklatan use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Rocklatan’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Rocklatan include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while using Rocklatan and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Rocklatan may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Rocklatan’s prescribing information.

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.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • reduced visual acuity (sharpness) and clarity, which may include the following symptoms:
  • eyelash changes, which may include changes in the following:
    • length
    • thickness
    • color
  • serious golden-brown or gray particle buildup in the eye
  • color changes in parts of the eye*
  • macular edema*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

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 an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Rocklatan, your doctor may recommend using a different medication instead.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Rocklatan may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Rocklatan.

Color changes in parts of the eye

Color changes in parts of the eye have been reported in clinical trials of latanoprost, an active ingredient in Rocklatan. This is due to an increase in melanin (a type of pigment that gives color) that’s made in the eyes. It isn’t clear how often this side effect occurred, but it may be mild or serious.

Color changes may occur in the following parts of the eye:

These color changes are expected to continue as long as Rocklatan is used. They may not be noticeable for several months to years, and they may be temporary or long lasting. Eyelid and eyelash darkening may be reversible after stopping Rocklatan. However, darkening of the iris, typically causing your eyes to appear browner, can be permanent.

What you can do

If you develop noticeable color changes in the eye, you can likely continue Rocklatan treatment. Your doctor may regularly check your eyes while you use Rocklatan. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about these color changes or if they’re bothersome. They can recommend an alternative treatment to help reduce your eye pressure.

Macular edema

Macular edema has been reported in clinical trials of latanoprost, an active ingredient in Rocklatan. With macular edema, fluid builds up in your retina (the layer at the back of your eyeball). Because of this, people with certain eye conditions, such as eye lens problems, should be careful when using Rocklatan. It isn’t clear how often this side effect occurred in clinical trials.

Macular edema may cause symptoms such as:

  • images appearing wavy or blurry
  • colors appearing faded or less bright
  • blurred vision that worsens over time

What you can do

Talk with your doctor about all your medications and conditions, including any eye conditions you may have. They’ll help decide whether Rocklatan is the right drug for you.

If you develop any of the above symptoms during your Rocklatan treatment, talk with your doctor right away. They’ll likely recommend a different medication to help manage your eye pressure.

Below is important information you should consider before using Rocklatan.

Precautions

Before using Rocklatan, discuss your health history with your doctor. Rocklatan may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • herpetic keratitis (eye inflammation caused by herpes virus)
  • eye swelling, including uveitis
  • eye lens problems, such as having no eye lens or having a torn eye lens
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding
  • alcohol consumption

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.