LATISSE™
Late January 2009, the FDA approved Allergan's accidentally discovered eyelash-enhancing drug, Latisse. What started out as a clinical trial for a known glaucoma treatment turned out to have a highly desired side-
effect - significantly longer eyelashes.
When the glaucoma eyedrop known as Lumigan entered its third phase of clinical trials, Allergan researchers noticed the drug's eyelash-enhancing effects and the company soon started considering the cosmetic applications that could be derived from it's active ingredient, bimatoprost.
Many drugs find their way to the market in a similar way. Viagra (or Sildenafil) was originally studied as a treatment for angina and hypertension. Botox was first used to treat nerve spasms around the eye, and the body-trimming drug Melanotan II was originally developed to protect against skin cancer.
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Applied to the base of the lashes, Latisse keeps hairs in their growth phase, producing longer, darker and thicker eyelashes. It contains a smaller amount of bimatoprost than Lumigan, and doctors say that quantity is just fine for regular use. It might be worth noting that the effects of Latisse are not permanent. Lashes return to normal after the patient stops using Latisse. We estimate that a single prescription of Lattise™ may last one to two months.
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What is Latisse?
Latisse solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grown eyelashes making them longer, thicker, and darker.
How does Latisse work?
The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost. Although the precise mechanism of action is not known, research suggests that the growth of the eyelashes occurs by increasing percent of hairs in, and the duration of, the anagen (or growth) phase. Lashes can grow longer, thicker, and darker because bimatoprost can also prolong the growth phase.
How do I apply Latisse?
Latisse is a once-a-day treatment you apply yourself each evening to the base of the upper eyelashes. Full instructions on how to apply the treatment are included with each prescription.
How soon will I see results?
Latisse users may see results starting at 4 weeks with full results after 16 weeks. The growth is gradual over time.
Is Latisse a replacement for mascara?
No, Latisse does not work in the place of mascara. However, mascara is a nice compliment to Latisse to help make your new eyelashes look even more attractive.
Is Latisse different form non-prescription products that indicate eyelash growth?
Latisse is the first and only FDA approved treatment for inadequate eyelashes.
What is I forget to apply one night? Or for a few nights?
If you miss an application or a few, don’t try to catch up. Just apply Latisse treatment the next evening and stay on schedule.
What happens if I stop using Latisse?
If you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.
Can I get a prescription for Latisse from any doctor?
First, ask your Plastic Surgeon if Latisse is right for you. Although any physician can write prescriptions you owe it to yourself to check with the experts in plastic surgery field.
What happens if I get latisse in my eye?
A small amount of Latisse (bimatoprost 0.3% ophthalmic solution) in the eye will not cause problems. Larger doses over time may cause darkening of the iris (the colored portion of your eye) and a decrease in your eye pressure. This will not happen if you are using Latisse as directed.
What are the possible side-effects of Latisse?
The most common side effects after using Latisse are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or redness. This was reported in approximately 4% of patients. Latisse solution may cause other less common side effects which typically occur on the skin close to where Latisse is applied, or in the eyes. These symptoms resolved after discontinuing Latisse.
What is the next step?
If you are interested in exploring Latisse call Prima Center for Plastic Surgery and schedule an appointment.
How to use Latisse
More information about Latisse ™
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LATISSE™ (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is indicated to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth including length, thickness, and darkness.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications: LATISSE™ is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to bimatoprost or any other ingredient in this product.
Warnings and Precautions: Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (LUMIGAN®) lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) when instilled directly to the eye in patients with elevated IOP. In clinical trials, in patients with or without elevated IOP, LATISSE™ lowered IOP, however, the magnitude of the reduction was not cause for clinical concern. In ocular hypertension studies with LUMIGAN®, it has been shown that exposure of the eye to more than one dose of bimatoprost daily may decrease the intraocular pressure lowering effect. In patients using LUMIGAN® or other prostaglandin analogs for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure, the concomitant use of LATISSE™ may interfere with the desired reduction in IOP. Patients using prostaglandin analogs including LUMIGAN® for IOP reduction should only use LATISSE™ after consulting with their physician and should be monitored for changes to their intraocular pressure.
Increased iris pigmentation has occurred when the same formulation of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (LUMIGAN®) was instilled directly onto the eye. Although iridal pigmentation was not reported in clinical studies with LATISSE™, patients should be advised about the potential for increased brown iris pigmentation which is likely to be permanent.
Bimatoprost has been reported to cause pigment changes (darkening) to periorbital pigmented tissues and eyelashes. The pigmentation is expected to increase as long as bimatoprost is administered, but has been reported to be reversible upon discontinuation of bimatoprost in most patients.
Adverse Reactions: The most frequently reported adverse events were eye pruritus, conjunctival hyperemia, skin hyperpigmentation, ocular irritation, dry eye symptoms, and erythema of the eyelid. These events occurred in less than 4% of patients.
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