Generic name: bimatoprost topical ophthalmic [ bye-MAT-oh-prost-TOP-ik-al-off-THAL-mik ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous topical agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Apr 24, 2023.

What is Latisse?

Latisse is a manmade form of a naturally occurring substance called a prostaglandin.

Latisse eye drops are used to treat hypotrichosis (abnormal growth of the eyelashes). Bimatoprost helps increase the growth, length, thickness, and darkness of eyelashes.

Latisse may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Stop using Latisse and call your doctor at once if this medicine causes severe eye irritation, eye pain, or vision changes.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Latisse is usually applied each night. if you are allergic to bimatoprost.

To make sure Latisse is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• glaucoma or increased pressure inside your eyes;

• any swelling or infection in or around your eye;

• retinal detachment; or

• eye surgery or injury affecting the lens of your eye.

Bimatoprost may cause a gradual change in the color of your eyes or eyelids and lashes, usually an increase in brown pigment. You may also notice increased growth or thickness of your eyelashes. These changes occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes may be permanent even after your treatment ends, and may occur only in the eye being treated. This could result in a cosmetic difference in eye or eyelash color from one eye to the other.

It is not known whether using Latisse eye drops while pregnant will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether bimatoprost topical ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give Latisse to a child without medical advice.

Related/similar drugs

bimatoprost topical, fluorometholone ophthalmic, Flarex, FML, Fluor-Op

How should I use Latisse?

Latisse eye drops are usually applied each night. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger amounts than recommended. Using more of this medicine will not make it more effective.

Use Latisse in the evening, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Latisse may contain a preservative that can discolor soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using this medicine before putting in your contact lenses.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Wash and thoroughly dry your face before using this medicine. Remove all makeup.

Use only the disposable applicators provided with your medicine to apply it. Do not use the same applicator to treat both eyes. Throw away an applicator after one use.

Apply Latisse drops directly to the skin of your upper eyelid at the base of your eyelashes. Do not use on the lower eyelid.

Do not place this medicine directly into your eye. Do not touch the tip of the medicine dropper. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

It may take up to 2 months before your lash growth improves. The effects of this medicine are not permanent. Your eyelash growth will return to its pretreatment levels after you stop using Latisse.

Tell your doctor right away if you have an eye injury or eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

Store at cool room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Latisse for Hypotrichosis of the Eyelashes:

Apply 1 drop to the upper eyelid margin of each eye once a day at night
-Additional drops or applications will not increase eyelash growth

Application:
-Apply topically to clean, makeup-free skin using the supplied sterile applicators; 1 applicator for each eye
-Place 1 drop of this drug on an applicator; apply evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid at base of lashes.
-Following administration, upper lid margin should feel lightly moist; if there is runoff, blot with a tissue or absorbent cloth.
-Repeat for the opposite eyelid margin using a new sterile applicator.

Comment: Eyelash growth is expected to return to pretreatment levels upon drug discontinuation.

Use: For the treatment of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing growth including length, thickness, and darkness.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Skip the missed dose and wait until the next night to apply the medicine. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Latisse eye drops is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using Latisse?

Avoid getting this medicine on any skin areas outside the base of your eyelashes. Increased hair growth can occur on any skin surface that comes into contact with Latisse.

If this medicine gets directly in your eye, rinse with water.

Latisse side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Latisse: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe burning or itching of your eyes;

• eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection);

• vision problems, eye pain, seeing halos around lights;

• increased sensitivity to light; or

• feeling like something is in your eye.

Common Latisse side effects may include:

• eye redness or itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Latisse?

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied bimatoprost. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Latisse only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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