What Makes LUMIFY Different From Other OTC Drops?

This low-dose ophthalmic solution (Lumify 0.025%) will be the first OTC (over-the-counter) brimonidine eye drop available to help relieve red, irritated eyes without a prescription in Canada.

Brimonidine is not a new drug, it has been available by prescription for quite some time. It has been used in higher concentrations as a drop/gel for glaucoma or rosacea of the eye.

To use, instil 1 drop in the affected eye(s) every 6-8 hours and no more than four times daily. When instilling drops into the eye, ensure not to touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, leading to a new host of problems.

While Lumify may not work better than other OTC decongestant drops, such as tetrahydrozoline (Visine Original), it seems to have less risk of rebound redness or tolerance. 

Because it’s the new kid on the block, please don’t jump to get it or any other red-eye drop without understanding what is causing the red eyes. Is it dry eyes, where an artificial tear is the better product or is it allergies where one should avoid triggers (smoke, pollen, etc)? or use an allergy drop or medication.

Lumify is usually well tolerated, and it won’t affect eye pressure. Nevertheless, it is still a drug and can have side effects. Common Lumify side effects may include:

  • mild itching, redness, burning, or other irritation of your eyes;
  • dry mouth, blurred vision; or
  • drowsiness, tiredness.

If you experience eye pain or substantially watering of the eye, vision changes, severe swelling, worsening of redness or burning with the drops, stop using them and seek medical attention.

Anyone who shows signs of an allergic reaction to Lumify: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek medical attention right away…as with any severe allergic reaction.

As with any medication, Lumify can affect other medical conditions or interact with other medicines. Combining it with drugs that make you drowsy, such as pain medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants or treatments for anxiety or seizures, can worsen the drowsiness side effect. Other drugs may affect brimonidine, including prescriptions for depression, heart or blood pressure, some over-the-counter medicines, and vitamins.

When combining with other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

If you have any questions about Lumify, contact one of our pharmacists.