LATISSE® is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of thin or short eyelashes.

If you have a history of abnormal intraocular pressure (IOP), you should inform Dr. Maloney and only use LATISSE® with close supervision of your eye doctor.

Do not use LATISSE® solution if you are allergic to one of its ingredients.

LATISSE® solution is intended for use on the skin of the upper eyelid margins at the base of the eyelashes.

DO NOT OVERDOSE. More is not better. DO NOT APPLY to the lower eyelid.

LATISSE® use may cause darkening of the eyelid skin which may be reversible. Although not reported in clinical studies, LATISSE® use may also cause increased brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye which is likely to be permanent.

Inform Dr. Maloney if you are already using LATISSE®, especially if you have a history of eye pressure problems. You should also tell anyone conducting an eye pressure screening that you are using LATISSE®.

The most common side effects after using LATISSE® solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and / or eye 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 include skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids.

Some patients may experience no change in the eyelash growth with LATISSE®.

Hair growth outside of the target area may develop with repeated contact.

Contact lenses should be removed prior to application. One may reinsert contact lenses 15 minutes after application.

Because the effect of applying LATISSE® to the eyelids of pregnant or breast feeding patients is unknown, Dr. Maloney does not recommend use.

• What is LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (0.03%)?

LATISSE® is a prescription treatment to grow eyelashes - making them longer, thicker and darker.

• What is hypotrichosis?

Hypotrichosis is the medical term for having inadequate (short, thin, and light) or not enough eyelashes.

• How was LATISSE® discovered?

Like many medical discoveries, LATISSE® was discovered by accident. In 2001, Allergan developed a medicated eye drop, called Lumigan, to treat glaucoma. It was discovered that patients began growing longer, fuller and darker lashes. This led Allergan to study the active ingredient in this product; and after careful study, LATISSE® was born, earning its FDA approval in December 2008.

• Who is Allergan?       
Allergan is a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with over 60 years of eye care expertise. They are leaders in the aesthetic markets with BOTOX ® Cosmetic and Juvederm ® as well.

• Is LATISSE® effective?

Latisse is very effective for most patients. The LATISSE® clinical study was conducted at 16 sites across the country and included 278 participants, featuring women and men of various ages (22 to 78), backgrounds and eye colors. Throughout the course of the 16-week treatments, each participant was photographed and evaluated at 4-week intervals (week 0 to week 16) for differences in their overall lash prominence, including elements of length, thickness and fullness. At 16 weeks, the results showed that LATISSE® was effective for 78% of those participating, versus 18% for the control group. The control group solution was the same as LATISSE®, but without its active ingredient.

• Since LATISSE® is relatively new, should I wait before using it?
The active ingredient in LATISSE® has been used since 2001.  A team of 16 experienced doctors conducted clinical studies and LATISSE® earned FDA approval in December 2008. Approximately 1.5 million kits of LATISSE® have been sold.

• How does LATISSE® work?

All the hair on our body goes through a growth phase, resting phase and a falling-out phase. LATISSE® is believed to affect the growth (anagen) phase of the eyelash hair cycle in two ways: first, it increases the length of this phase; and second, it increases the number of hairs in this growth phase. The exact way it works is unknown.

• How is LATISSE® different from over-the-counter products for lash growth?
Allergan created the class of compounds (prostaglandin analogs) for hypotrichosis. Prior to LATISSE® FDA approval, several manufacturers contained prostaglandin analogs in their over-the-counter eye lash enhancing products. After FDA approval, these manufacturers were required to remove this active ingredient, leaving LATISSE® with the only product containing bimatoprost (0.03%) ophthalmic solution. So now LATISSE® is the first and only FDA approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough lashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker.

• Does LATISSE® do the same thing as mascara?
No. LATISSE® actually makes the eyelashes, longer, thicker and darker for most that use it. Mascara adds temporary bulk and color to the lashes. Many patients who use LATISSE® do not feel the need to use mascara afterwards. However, mascara can be used on your eyelashes while using LATISSE®.

• Is LATISSE® solution an eye drop?

LATISSE® solution is not applied as an eye drop. It is applied topically, along the skin of the upper eyelashes with a small applicator. It is not intended for use in the eyes, but if some solution gets into your eye, you do not need to rinse it. See the full instructions in How to Apply, and apply as instructed by Dr. Maloney

• When will I begin to see results?

Generally patients begin to see longer lashes at 4 weeks, with full growth at 16 weeks. The increase in length is usually the first thing patients notice. The increase in thickness and darkening often occur later. The growth is gradual over time.

• If I apply more LATISSE®, will I get faster results?
No. This is a common question, using more will not speed things up. Too much applied may increase redness and itchiness around the eye. LATISSE® works gradually over the 16-week treatment period. Please follow the directions as instructed by your doctor.

• What are the ingredients in LATISSE®?

Active ingredient: bimatoprost
Inactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride; sodium chloride; sodium phosphate, dibasic; citric acid; and purified water. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH. The pH during its shelf life ranges from 6.8 - 7.8.

• Why do the directions say to only apply LATISSE® solution to the base (as in applying eye liner) of the upper eyelashes?

The clinical studies of LATISSE® were conducted on patients who applied the product to the base of their upper lashes only. DO NOT APPLY in your eye or to the lower lid. There is the potential for hair growth to occur in areas where LATISSE® solution comes in repeated contact with the skin surface. It is important to apply LATISSE® only to the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes using the accompanying sterile applicators, and to carefully blot any excess LATISSE® from the eyelid margin to avoid its running onto the cheek or other skin areas. See the full instructions in How to Apply, and apply as instructed by your doctor.

• What are the possible side effects of LATISSE®?

The most common side effects after using LATISSE® solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye 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 include skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids.

• Are there any special warnings associated with LATISSE® use?
If you are using other products in the same class for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or if you have a history of abnormal IOP, you should only use LATISSE® under the close supervision of your physician.

• What is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) or glaucoma?
This is a condition where the pressure inside the eye is higher than normal. LATISSE® may decrease IOP. So talk to your doctor if you are using IOP-lowering medications. Concurrent administration of LATISSE® and certain IOP-lowering medications in ocular hypertensive patients should be closely monitored for changes in intraocular pressure.

• Could LATISSE® solution cause the color (Iris) of my eyes to change?
Although iris pigmentation change was not reported in clinical studies with LATISSE®, patients should be advised about the potential for increased brown iris pigmentation which is likely permanent. Increased brown iris pigmentation has occurred when the same formulation of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution was instilled directly into the eye to treat elevated intraocular pressure. The dose of LATISSE®   has been shown to be 5% of the Lumigan dose. These are the reasons why the darkening has not been seen using LATISSE®.

•Could it darken my eyelids?
Skin hyperpigmention (or skin darkening) is an unusual side effect, which typically occurs close to where the solution is applied on the skin. It can give an eye liner look. This is due to an increase of melanin in the skin. The pigmentation is expected to last as long as bimatoprost is administered, but has been reported to be reversible in most patients when they stop the bimatoprost.

• What does LATISSE® cost?
One LATISSE® kit costs approximately $120.  For more ways to save, join LashPerks to get updates on special discounts and promotions.

• Do I need to refill my LATISSE® prescription every month?
To achieve the full effect of LATISSE® — longer, fuller, darker lashes — you will need to use the product daily for 16 weeks. After that point, you should talk to Dr. Maloney about ongoing maintenance use.

• What if I forget to apply one night or several nights?

If you miss an application, or a few, don't try to catch up. Just apply the LATISSE® treatment the next evening and stay on schedule.

• What should I do if I wear contact lenses?

Contact lens wearers can use LATISSE®. They need to remove their lenses before applying the solution and can reinsert their contacts after 15 minutes have passed.

• 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.

• What should I do if I experience eye redness?

Eye redness may occur immediately after use. Consult your doctor if the redness persists or you notice other symptoms as well.

• What should I do if I experience eye itching?

Eye itching may occur immediately after use. Consult your doctor if the itching persists or you notice other symptoms as well.

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