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Upneeq® Treatment Plan

Be sure to take your time and read everything below. It is essential for you to understand the potential risks and benefits of treatment. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our medical support team if you have ANY questions.

Welcome to your “eye-opening” journey.

Your provider has reviewed your medical information and has prescribed UPNEEQ® (0.1% oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) eye drops. This medication helps lift your low-lying upper eyelids and should only be used as directed. The eyelid lifting improvements remain as long as you continue to use the medication. When you stop using Upneeq, your eyelids will gradually return to their original position. Read on to learn more about Upneeq, how to use Upneeq, how it works, how soon you might see results, potential side effects, and other relevant information. Make sure you read everything here carefully and read the package insert when it arrives in print with your medication. Another good source of information about Upneeq is the official Prescribing Information (PI). If you can’t find what you are looking for, reach out to your provider and they will be glad to assist you. Be sure to take photos of your eyelid position before you start treatment, and again after you use the treatment to track your results!

What is Upneeq?

Upneeq is an FDA-approved prescription eyedrop to help people with acquired ptosis (or low-lying eyelids) open their eyes more fully. It is clinically proven to raise the upper eyelid making your eyes look more open. The active ingredient in Upneeq is oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution 0.1%.

How does Upneeq work?

Oxymetazoline, the active ingredient in Upneeq, acts on Müller’s muscle, one of the muscles responsible for raising your upper lid. It targets receptors on that eyelid muscle, making it contract to lift your eyelid.

How should I use Upneeq?

Your Upneeq comes in a pack of single patient-use disposable containers. Keep these containers in the child-resistant foil pouches until you are ready to use them. Each single patient-use container of Upneeq has enough medicine to treat both eyes once a day as needed. However, there is some extra medication in each container in case you miss getting the drop into your eye. Upneeq is formulated to go into the eye. To use, place one drop of the medication into one or both eye(s) once daily. Avoid touching the tip of the container to your eye or any other surface to prevent eye injury or solution contamination. Throw away the single patient-use container, including any remaining medication, immediately after use. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using Upneeq, and leave them out for 15 minutes after putting the medication in your eye(s). If you are taking other eye drops for other medical conditions, avoid putting all of the drops in at the same time. Wait at least 15 minutes between instilling the different eye drops.

How soon should I see results with Upneeq?

In clinical trials, most people saw eyelid improvement in as little as 2 hours after using Upneeq, and the effects lasted at least 6–8 hours. One study showed results as soon as 5 minutes after instilling the medication. Upneeq is only approved for use once a day.

What are the potential side effects of Upneeq?

The most common side effects of Upneeq occurred in 1–5% of people in clinical trials and include:

  • Eye inflammation

  • Eye redness

  • Dry eye

  • Blurred vision

  • Eye pain when putting a drop in

  • Eye irritation

  • Headache

This is not a complete list and other side effects may occur. Be sure to read all accompanying information with your medication and report to your provider any side effects you experience. See the Prescribing Information for more information.

Who shouldn’t use Upneeq?

Do not use Upneeq if you are allergic to Upneeq or any of its ingredients. Ro-affiliated providers do not prescribe Upneeq to women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or trying to become pregnant.

How should I store my Upneeq?

Upneeq should be stored at 68°F to 77°F (20˚C to 25˚C). Protect from excessive heat and keep out of reach of children. Keep your single patient-use containers in their child-resistant foil pouches. Throw away any opened containers.

What should I do if I have questions about side effects or whether the medication is working?

Please log in to your Ro account and message your provider. Your provider should be your first point of contact regarding questions about medication efficacy, frequency, or side effects.

Are there any warnings or precautions associated with Upneeq?

For some people, their low-lying lids may be associated with other medical conditions like strokes, brain aneurysms, Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, problems with eye muscles, eye infections, and eyelid growths. Tell your Ro provider if you have any of these conditions.

The medication in Upneeq belongs to a class of drugs that may affect your blood pressure. So if you have heart disease, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, feel faint at rest or when quickly standing up, or any other symptoms associated with blood pressure issues, let your provider know if your symptoms get worse.

Be careful using Upneeq if you have reduced blood flow to the brain or heart, or experience eye or mouth dryness due to an immune system disorder (Sjögren’s syndrome) because there is a chance that Upneeq could make your symptoms worse. Call your provider if you think your symptoms may be getting worse.

Upneeq may increase the risk of a sudden rise in eye pressure due to fluid buildup (angle-closure glaucoma) in patients with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma. If you feel severe pain or increased pressure in your eye after using Upneeq, seek emergency medical attention.

To prevent eye injury or medication contamination, do not let the tip of the Upneeq vial touch your eye or any other surface. Each Upneeq vial should be discarded after being used.

Are there any drug interactions with Upneeq?

Upneeq belongs to a class of medications (alpha-adrenergic agonists) that may affect blood pressure. For that reason, people who take heart/blood pressure drugs like beta-blockers, anti-hypertensives, or cardiac glycosides may experience additional side effects. Be careful using Upneeq if you also take alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers—these are sometimes used in treating heart disease or benign prostatic hypertrophy. You may experience additional side effects. People who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should be careful when using Upneeq because the combination may affect how well your body breaks down Upneeq. You may experience additional side effects.

Overall drug interactions with Upneeq are uncommon. However, there are interactions that have yet to be identified. Therefore, if you encounter a medical emergency please call 911, and for less urgent issues please contact your Ro-affiliated provider or your primary care physician.

What is acquired blepharoptosis (or low-lying eyelids)?

If you have ever looked at your eyes and thought they looked “tired” or “sleepy,” then you may have acquired blepharoptosis or low-lying eyelids. Most cases are due to a weakening of the muscles that work to open your upper eyelids. Acquired blepharoptosis is common and can affect anyone, but it tends to occur more often as you age. Low-lying lids may affect more than just your appearance. While some people are bothered by how their eyes look, others may also notice difficulty with reading, driving, computer use, etc. as a result of their low-lying lids. In some cases, low-lying eyelids may result from other causes, like eye surgery, contact lens use, or an underlying medical condition. Depending on your medical history, Upneeq may not work as well for you. For this reason, it is important to discuss your medical and surgical history with your Ro-affiliated provider.

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