latisse

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

Latisse is 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.

Important information

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 if you are allergic to bimatoprost.

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

• a history of glaucoma or increased pressure inside your eyes;

• an eye condition called uveitis;

• any swelling or infection in or around your eye; or

• a history of eye injury or eye surgery.

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

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

Do not give Latisse to a child without medical advice.

How should I use Latisse?

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

Do not place Latisse 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 this medicine.

Tell your doctor at once if you have an eye injury, if you develop an eye infection, or if you plan to have eye surgery.

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

Latisse dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Hypotrichosis of the Eyelashes:

Place one drop on the disposable sterile applicator supplied with the package and apply evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes. The upper lid margin in the area of lash growth should feel lightly moist without runoff. Blot any excess solution runoff outside the upper eyelid margin with a tissue or other absorbent cloth. Dispose of the applicator after one use. Repeat for the opposite eyelid margin using a new sterile applicator.

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.

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?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

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 Latisse gets directly in your eyes, 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;

• severe redness or swelling in or around your eye;

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

• oozing or discharge from your eye; or

• increased sensitivity to light.

This medicine may cause a gradual change in the color or appearance of your eyes, eyelids, or eyelashes. These changes occur slowly and you may not notice them for months or years. Color changes can be permanent and may occur only in the treated eye. This could result in a cosmetic difference from one eye to the other.

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.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

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.