Frequently Asked Questions
What is LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03%?
LATISSE® solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker.
What is hypotrichosis of the eyelashes?
Hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.
How does LATISSE® work?
LATISSE® is believed to affect the growth (anagen) phase of the eyelash hair cycle in two ways: initially, it increases the length of this phase; and second, it increases the number of hairs in this growth phase. The exact way it works is unknown.
How do I apply LATISSE®?
LATISSE® solution is a once-a-day treatment you apply yourself each evening to the base of the upper eyelashes. See the full instructions in How to Apply, and apply as instructed by your doctor.
You should always only use the FDA-approved sterile applicators to apply LATISSE® directly to the base of your upper eyelashes. The applicators have been specially designed and manufactured to meet FDA standards.
How soon will I see results?
LATISSE® users might see results starting at 8 weeks with full results at 12 to 16 weeks. The growth is gradual overnight, over time.
Is LATISSE® a replacement for mascara?
No, LATISSE® does not work in place of mascara. LATISSE® is a solution treatment for inadequate or not enough lashes and requires a prescription from a doctor. However, mascara can be used on your eyelashes in adds to to LATISSE®.
Is LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% different from nonprescription products that indicate eyelash growth?
LATISSE® solution is the initially and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for inadequate or not having enough eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker.
What if I forget to apply one night? Or a few nights?
If you miss an application or a few, don't try to catch up. Just apply the LATISSE® treatment the next evening and stay on schedule.
What happens if I stop using LATISSE®?
If you stop using LATISSE®, your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.
Can I get a prescription for LATISSE® from any doctor?
First, ask your doctor if LATISSE® is right for you. Although any doctor can prescribe LATISSE®, some might be more familiar with this product than others. That's why we encourage you to use the interactive "Find-a-Doctor" locator tool to find a doctor near you who will more likely know about this FDA-approved treatment. When making an appointment, be sure to tell the receptionist that you want to find out more about LATISSE®.
What are the possible side effects of LATISSE®?
The most common side effects after using LATISSE® solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness. This was reported in approximately 4% of patients. LATISSE® solution might cause other less common side effects which typically occur on the skin close to where LATISSE® is applied, or in the eyes. These include skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids.
What should I do if I get LATISSE® in my eye?
LATISSE® solution is an ophthalmic drug product. If any gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm. The eye should not be rinsed.
Who should NOT use LATISSE®?
Do not use LATISSE® solution if you are allergic to one of its ingredients.
What are the ingredients in LATISSE®?
Active ingredient: bimatoprostInactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride; sodium chloride; sodium phosphate, dibasic; citric acid; and purified water. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid might be added to adjust pH. The pH during its shelf life ranges from 6.8 — 7.8.
What is skin hyperpigmentation?
This is a common, usually harmless condition in which areas of skin become darker than the surrounding skin color. This occurs when there is an increase in the melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, in the skin. Skin hyperpigmentation is a possible side effect of LATISSE®, but might be reversible after discontinuation of the product.
What is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)?
This is a condition where the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal. LATISSE® might decrease IOP. So talk to your doctor if you are using IOP-lowering medications. Concurrent administration of LATISSE® and certain IOP-lowering medications in ocular hypertensive patients should be closely monitored for changes in intraocular pressure.
What should I do if I experience eye redness?
Eye redness might occur immediately after use, but should usually last only for a short period of time. Eye redness alone is not an allergic reaction or inflammation, and doesn't mean that your eyes are being harmed. Please use the LATISSE® applicators as instructed to help to minimize the occurrence of eye redness.
Could LATISSE® cause the color of my eyes to change?
Increased brown iris pigmentation has occurred when similar medications were instilled directly into the eye to treat elevated intraocular pressure/glaucoma. Although iris pigmentation was not reported in clinical studies with LATISSE®, patients should be advised about the potential for increased brown iris pigmentation which is likely to be permanent.
What should I use to apply LATISSE®?
You should always only use the FDA-approved sterile applicators to apply LATISSE® solution directly to the base of your upper eyelashes. The applicators have been specially designed and manufactured to meet FDA standards, and ensure that the correct dose of LATISSE® is applied.
Why do the directions say to only apply LATISSE® solution to the base of the upper eyelashes?
A clinical trial of LATISSE® was conducted on patients who applied the product to the base of their upper lashes only. Applied nightly, the transfer of LATISSE® solution from the upper to lower eyelid might occur naturally because the eyelids are closed and the eyelashes touch each other. Over application might increase the chance of experiencing side effects. To ensure safety and maximize effectiveness, please follow the directions provided.
What should I do if I experience eye itching?
Eye itching might occur immediately after use, but should usually last only for a short period of time (one to two weeks during initial use). Eye itching alone is not an allergic reaction, and doesn’t mean that your eyes are being harmed. Consult your doctor if the itching persists or you notice other symptoms as well.
Procedures
