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:
first, 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™ 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.
How soon will I see results? LATISSE™ users may see results
starting at 4 weeks with full results after 16 weeks. The
growth is gradual overnight, over time.
Is LATISSE™ a replacement for mascara? No, LATISSE™ does
not work in place of mascara. However, mascara is a nice
complement to LATISSE™ to help make your new longer eyelashes
look even more attractive.
Is LATISSE™ (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% different
from nonprescription products that indicate eyelash growth?
LATISSE™ solution is the first 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 may be more familiar
with this product than others, such as an Ophthalmologist.
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
may 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: bimatoprost Inactive
ingredients: benzalkonium chloride; sodium chloride;
sodium phosphate, dibasic; citric acid; and purified water.
Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may 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 may 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™ may 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 may
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.
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 may occur
naturally because the eyelids are closed and the eyelashes
touch each other. Over application may 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
may 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. |
Before
applying LATISSE™ each night, ensure your face is clean,
makeup and contact lenses are removed, and any other facial
care products have already been applied.
Remove
an applicator from its tray. Then, holding the sterile applicator
horizontally, place one drop of LATISSE™ solution on the
area of the applicator closest to the tip but not on the
tip.
Immediately
draw the applicator carefully along the skin at the base
of the upper eyelashes (where the eyelashes meet the skin)
just as you would apply liquid eyeliner. This area should
feel lightly moist without runoff. 
Blot
any excess solution beyond the eyelid with a tissue. 
Dispose
of the applicator after one use. Repeat for opposite eyelid,
using a new sterile applicator to help minimize any potential
for contamination from one eyelid to another. 