The 24-hour intraocular pressure control by tafluprost/timolol fixed combination after switching from the concomitant use of tafluprost and timolol gel-forming solution, in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 24-hour intraocular pressure (IOP)-control effect of the tafluprost/timolol fixed combination (TAF/TIM-FC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma after they switched from the concomitant use of tafluprost and timolol gel-forming solution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (12 male and 8 female; mean ± SD age, 57.0±7.1 years) were included in this study. The patients were treated for 8 weeks with the concomitant administration of tafluprost and timolol gel-forming solution (evening dosing). At the end of this period, the patients underwent 24-hour IOP monitoring (measured at 21:00, 01:00, 05:00, 09:00, 13:00 and 17:00). IOP was measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and Icare PRO at sitting position at all timepoints and additionally, at supine position with Icare PRO tonometer at 01:00 and 05:00. The patients were then all switched to TAF/TIM-FC treatment (evening dosing). After 8 weeks, the 24-hour IOP monitoring was repeated. RESULTS: Nineteen patients completed the study. The mean 24-hour IOPs in the concomitant and TAF/TIM-FC phases were 13.8±2.7 vs 13.3±2.8 mmHg (P=0.0033) with the GAT in the sitting position and 13.96±2.56 vs 13.48±2.56 mmHg (P=0.0120) with the Icare PRO in habitual positions. In comparison with the concomitant phase, significantly lower IOP was observed for the TAF/TIM-FC phase at 21:00 and 01:00 with the GAT and at 01:00 with the Icare PRO. In addition, the maximum IOP and fluctuations in IOP in habitual positions were lower for the TAF/TIM-FC phase than for the concomitant phase. CONCLUSION: TAF/TIM-FC showed a stable 24-hour IOP-lowering effect and was equally or more effective than the concomitant use of tafluprost and timolol gel, both when sitting and when in habitual positions.