Doctors are always looking for new uses for existing drugs. What started out as a medication for a very serious eye problem is now making waves as the latest thing in cosmetics. It can make eyelashes longer & thicker.
Latisse contains bimatoprost, a compound from a glaucoma drug called Lumigan. It binds to receptors in the eyelashes that may be involved in the development and re-growth of hair follicles. Allergan has used bimatoprost since 2001 in Lumigan.
The company began studying the potential of using a lower dose of topical bimatoprost to stimulate eyelash growth after Lumigan users developed unusually lush lashes. It’s specifically being marketed as a once-a-day medication to treat eyelash hypotrichosis, or lack of hair growth.
Latisse pushes more follicles into the growth phase, and lengthens the time they spend there. But you do need to be careful applying Latisse.
If it gets on other skin, it can cause discoloration.
And some users in the trial reported redness, or itching of the eyes.
The drug’s effect isn’t immediate. According to manufacturer Allergan, the drug usually brings results two to four months after users start it.
Latisse has been on the market for about two weeks now… And it’s generated a lot of interest.
But it isn’t cheap. It costs about $240 dollars for a year’s supply. And you have to keep using it to keep your lashes full.
It’s possible that the drug may also spur eyebrow and scalp hair growth, doctors told the Wall Street Journal. But Allergan spokesperson Heather Katt says the company hasn’t explored using Latisse for those purposes
Tags: bimatoprost, lashes, latisse
I am a 45 year old female who wears contact lenses for nearsightedness. Also, I am starting to have some presbyopia, but I’m not bothered by it enough to do anything about it just yet. I have been using Latisse for 3 months and I love the results. My lashes and eyebrows have returned to the length/fullness of when I was much younger. Would having vision correcting surgery have an increased risk of complications due to the use of the Latisse ? Would I still be able to continue using Latisse after having eye surgery? I have noticed that, since I started using the Latisse, my eyes feel a little dry at times and I can only wear my contact lenses for about 6-8 hours before they feel too uncomfortable. Nonetheless, I love my lashes and eyebrows so much that I choose to keep using the Latisse and just put up with those side effects. Even though it is expensive, I absolutely love the Latisse. I rarely have to wear eye makeup because my lashes and eyebrows have also grown in darker. It feels nice to get compliments on my lashes and I feel that it makes me look a little younger. I really would like to continue using the Latisse. Thanks for your help.
There is no higher rate of complications from LASIK for Latisse users. You may be experiencing some symptoms of dry eye which play a consideration on exactly which procedure is right for you.