Iyuzeh is a preservative-free prescription eye drop that lowers eye pressure in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

What Is Iyuzeh?

Iyuzeh (Latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005%) is the first and only preservative-free formulation of Latanoprost available in the United States. It belongs to a class of medications called prostaglandin analogs, which are the most widely used first-line treatment for glaucoma.

Here are the key facts:

• Brand name: Iyuzeh
• Generic name: Latanoprost (preservative-free)
• Drug class: Prostaglandin analog
• Manufacturer: Thea Pharma Inc.
• FDA approval: November 2022
• Commercial launch: October 2023
• Controlled substance: No

The active ingredient in Iyuzeh is the same Latanoprost found in Xalatan and generic Latanoprost. What makes Iyuzeh different is that it does not contain benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative used in most eye drops that can irritate the eye surface over time. This matters for patients who use eye drops every day for years — which is the reality for most glaucoma patients.

What Is Iyuzeh Used For?

Iyuzeh is FDA-approved for two conditions:

1. Open-angle glaucoma — The most common type of glaucoma, where the drainage angle of the eye is open but fluid doesn't flow out efficiently, causing pressure buildup that can damage the optic nerve.
2. Ocular hypertension — Elevated eye pressure without optic nerve damage (yet). Treatment aims to prevent progression to glaucoma.

Both conditions involve elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), which is the main risk factor for optic nerve damage and vision loss. Iyuzeh works by lowering IOP to protect the optic nerve. For a plain-English explanation of how it does this, see our article on how Iyuzeh works.

How Is Iyuzeh Taken?

Iyuzeh comes in individual single-dose containers — each one holds enough medication for one application.

Dosing Instructions

• Dose: One drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening
• Frequency: Once daily — do not use more than once per day, as more frequent dosing may actually reduce its effectiveness
• Timing: Use in the evening for best results
• Single-use container: Open a new container each time. Discard after use — do not save leftover medication
• Storage: Does not require refrigeration (unlike some other Latanoprost products)

Important Tips

• Remove contact lenses before applying Iyuzeh and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them
• If you use other eye drops, wait at least 5 minutes between each medication
• After applying the drop, close your eye gently and press on the inner corner of your eye for 1–2 minutes to reduce systemic absorption
• Wipe away any excess medication from the skin around your eye to reduce the chance of eyelid darkening

Who Should Not Take Iyuzeh?

Iyuzeh should not be used by anyone with a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to Latanoprost or any other ingredient in the formulation.

Use with caution if you have:

• History of herpes simplex keratitis — Latanoprost may reactivate herpes infections in the eye
• Aphakia or pseudophakia with torn posterior lens capsule — Higher risk of macular edema
• Risk factors for macular edema — Including diabetic retinopathy or retinal vein occlusion

Tell your doctor about all eye conditions, surgeries, and medications before starting Iyuzeh. For a full list of drug interactions, see our guide on Iyuzeh drug interactions.

For detailed information on side effects, read our article on Iyuzeh side effects.

How Much Does Iyuzeh Cost?

Iyuzeh is a brand-name medication with no generic equivalent, so it's not cheap:

• Cash price: $264–$350 for a 30-day supply (30 single-dose containers)
• With manufacturer copay card: As low as $60 per month for commercially insured patients
• Cash savings program: $75 per fill through Thea Pharma's program
• 90-day supply via PhilRx: $120 for eligible commercially insured patients

For comparison, generic preserved Latanoprost costs just $10–$30 per month. This price difference is why most insurance plans require patients to try generic Latanoprost before approving Iyuzeh (called step therapy).

Insurance coverage for Iyuzeh often requires prior authorization. Thea Pharma's PhilRx program can help with the prior authorization process and offers home delivery. Visit myiyuzehsavings.com or text 744-579 to enroll.

For all savings options, see our comprehensive guide on how to save money on Iyuzeh.

How Does Iyuzeh Compare to Other Glaucoma Drops?

Iyuzeh isn't the only option for lowering eye pressure. Here's how it compares:

• Xalatan / generic Latanoprost — Same active ingredient but contains BAK preservative. Much cheaper ($10–$30/month). The go-to first-line treatment.
• Travatan Z (Travoprost) — Another prostaglandin analog that's BAK-free (preserved with SofZia instead). Alternative for preservative-sensitive patients.
• Lumigan (Bimatoprost) — Prostaglandin analog with BAK. Slightly different mechanism.
• Vyzulta (Latanoprostene Bunod) — Dual-mechanism drop that also releases nitric oxide. Contains BAK.

For more options, read our guide on alternatives to Iyuzeh.

Final Thoughts

Iyuzeh fills an important gap in glaucoma treatment: it gives patients access to preservative-free Latanoprost for the first time. For people who have experienced irritation, dryness, or allergic reactions from the preservatives in standard eye drops, Iyuzeh can make a real difference in daily comfort and long-term eye health.

The tradeoff is cost and availability. Iyuzeh is significantly more expensive than generic Latanoprost, and not every pharmacy stocks it. If you need help finding it, Medfinder can show you which pharmacies near you have it available right now.