Overview
The first eyelash growth treatment backed by scientific study and clinical trials was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in December 2008. The active ingredient used by Allergan, bimatoprost, is featured in the topical eyelash treatment Latisse, the only trade name under which this medication is sold and to which Allergan holds exclusive patent. Eyelash growth treatment using Latisse is deemed safe by the FDA, but if used improperly, may cause unwanted side effects.
History
Bimatoprost wasn’t originally used as an eyelash growth treatment. According to a December 2008 “Scientific American” article, Allergan first used it in Lumigan, a prescription eye drop released in 2001, which is used to treat patients with glaucoma. During clinical trials, one of the side effects noted in glaucoma patients was fuller, darker eyelash growth. Allergan subsequently pursued development of a topical application containing lower concentrations of bimatoprost (0.03 percent) for cosmetic purposes.
Proper Use
Latisse (topical bimatoprost) is used to treat people with a benign cosmetic condition called hypotrichosis–inadequate eyelash growth. Mayo Clinic dermatologist Lawrence E. Gibson explains that regular use of this eyelash growth treatment is necessary to achieve results, which may not be noted for up to two months. The manufacturer’s website states that Latisse is applied to clean, makeup-free eyes each night. Contact lenses are first removed. One drop of the solution is applied to a small applicator and applied along the base of the upper lashes, where the lashes and skin meet. Latisse is not applied anywhere else on the eyes or face.
Cautions and Considerations
Latisse must not be applied to the lower eyelid, as unwanted hair growth may show up outside of the treatment area. It’s important to use the applicators that come with the medication and to make sure that the tip of Latisse bottle doesn’t come into contact with anything else, such as your fingers (this may contaminate it with bacteria). If you wear contact lenses, wait 15 minutes after using Latisse before putting them back in. This eyelash growth treatment works as long as it’s used regularly; if you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes will return to their former state.
Side-Effects
According to the FDA, hair growth in other parts of the eye area isn’t the only potential hazard to using Latisse. Patients who used Lumigan to treat glaucoma experienced brown pigmentation in their eyes; this can occur when using bimatoprost as an eyelash growth treatment. Darkening of the iris is probably permanent, warns the FDA. Latisse can also cause hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin with which it comes into contact. Latisse can also exacerbate intraocular inflammation. In some cases, it may not be effective; Gibson states that a small study showed that patients with total lash loss due to a medical condition called alopecia areata didn’t experience new eyelash growth.
More
The difference between Latisse and nonprescription eyelash treatments that claim to give similar benefits is that the effectiveness of Latisse is supported by scientific evidence. If you’re looking for other eyelash growth treatments that contain bimatoprost other than prescription Latisse, you may be out of luck. In 2007, $2 million worth of Age Intervention Eyelash, which contained bimatoprost, were seized at the bequest of the FDA. At that time, bimatoprost was not yet approved by the FDA as an eyelash growth treatment. The “Scientific American” states that as of December 2008, Allergan had filed suit against 11 different companies marketing similar eyelash treatment products containing bimatoprost on grounds of patent infringement.
About this Author
Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She’s worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.
