FDA Approves Latisse Eyelash Growth Product

If your lashes are thin and sparse, and mascara alone is not enough to give you the lush and glamorous look you want, there is a new option. You can grow new lashes.

Allergan (also maker of Botox cosmetic) has released Latisse, the first FDA approved prescription eyelash growth product. It was originally intended for those with hypotrichosis, a genetic condition in which no hair grows on the eyelid. It was also found useful for those suffering from loss of eyelashes due to illness or chemotherapy. Latisse promises to grow eyelashes, to make them stronger, thicker and darker. The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatroprost, which is also used in Allergan's glaucoma drug Lumigan. Exactly how Latisse grows lashes is not entirely known. Bimatroprost is a complex derived from fatty acids that bind to receptors in eyelashes that are responsible for the regrowth of hair follicles. Basically, it affects lash growth by lengthening the growth cycle phase and increasing the number of hairs during it.

Don't throw out your tubes of mascara. Latisse is not intended as its replacement. Because Latisse is applied before bedtime, you can continue to use mascara as part of your regular makeup routine. Latisse is in the form of a solution which is applied with sterile applicators. Apply it once a day along the base of your upper lashes, much like the way you would apply liquid eyeliner. To prevent contamination and infection, you would use a new sterile applicator for each eye and with each new application. There is no need to apply the solution to the lower lashes, because it transfers to them while your eyes are closed. Hence, the reason it is recommended for use at bedtime. Because it is an ophthalmic drug, the manufacturers say there is no cause for alarm if the solution does get into your eyes. No need to rinse if that occurs. If you are a contact lens wearer, remove your lenses prior to application and wait fifteen minutes before reinsertion.

Latisse is available by prescription only. Any doctor can prescribe it. The prescription comes as a 30-day supply, and the average cost runs about $120 a month. There is no recommended length of time to continue its use. Noticeable results begin around eight weeks. Peak effects will occur in about four months. Latisse does not produce permanent results. If you stop using it, your lashes will return to their original condition after several months.

Latisse is not recommended for use by anyone taking medication for glaucoma or anyone who has a history of intraocular pressure problems. Those patients need to be under strict supervision by their doctor. If you have a history of eye problems or are planning eye surgery, you need to notify your doctor.

As with any prescription, side effects can occur. Latisse may cause a dark brown pigmentation to the iris (the colored part of the eye). Possible hair growth can occur where Latisse comes in contact with the skin, like on the eyebrows and scalp. Most commonly reported side effects are itchy eyes, dry eyes and reddening of the eyes and lids. Eye irritation does not necessarily indicate an allergic reaction to the product and usually disappears. Latisse can also cause darkening of the skin around the eyes but will turn to normal after discontinuation of the drug. Do not use Latisse if you have broken skin on your eyelid, or if you have an eye infection. If you develop an allergic reaction, stop using the product and contact a doctor immediately.