Med Safety Online

Allergan Latisse, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03, a topical eyelash growth product, is taking the online pharmacy industry by storm.   Since Latisse was FDA approved about 2 years ago, there has been over 1.5 million bottles sold.  TV commercials and magazine ads have made Allergan Latisse one of the most sought after among women, primarily for cosmetic reasons.  The broad appeal, as well as the fact that this medication can be used by virtually any adult, has made this product very successful in a short amount of time.  Are you interested in trying Latisse?  Here’s what you need to know.

-Does Latisse Work? The active ingredient in Allergan Latisse is bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03.  This medication makes your current lashes darker, thicker and longer, but it only works on the lashes you currently have.  If you stop using Allergan Latisse and your current lashes fall out, the new one growing in will be the same as before you began using the product.  Latisse results are generally positive among users however, you need to continue to use the product consistently to maintain your results.

-Is there a generic form of Latisse?  The manufacture Allergan holds the patent on Latisse until January 2022, so if you find a company claiming to sell this generic, stay away!  Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03 is also the active ingredient in the medication Lumigan, so there has been a lot of internet chatter about using Lumigan in place of Latisse.  In theory, Lumigan  and Latisse results should have the same effect in improving eyelashes, however Lumigan is intended to treat glaucoma and it is not advisable to take any medication for a disease you do not have.  Not to mention that if you try to get it with your insurance, your insurance company could consider that fraud.   

-Can you get Latisse without a prescription?  Your doctor or dermatologist has to write you a prescription for this medication before you can get it, Latisse without prescription is illegal.  Don’t buy from a site that says you don’t need one.   In some states, your optometrist or plastic surgeon can also prescribe this medication.  Side effects of Latisse can range from none to moderate, especially for people who have had skin or eye trouble in the past, so it is best to check with your doctor before using this medication or any bimatoprost ophthalmic solution.

-What are the side effects of Latisse?  The most talked about side effects of Latisse is that it could darken the colored part of your eye and your eyelid.  Although it’s true that the can have these effects, in clinical trials of Allergan Latisse they found few incidents of changing your eye color and only a minimal darkening of the eyelid.  If in the rare case that you eye color does darken, it will probably be permanent, however if it’s the eyelid, the skin should lighten back to its original pigment after you stop using bimatoprost ophthalmic solution.  In addition, Latisse could cause hair growth in other places.  Latisse instructions explicitly state that the product should not be used on the lower lashes.  If the skin is exposed to repeated dosages of the active ingredient you could start to sprout excessive and dark hairs in that location.  So keep Latisse away from your cheeks!  Side effects of Latisse of course vary from person to person, however users are generally happy with Latisse results.

-How much is Latisse and where can I buy Latisse?  The Latisse price can vary anywhere from $99 – $200.  You can get Allergan Latisse from your local pharmacy with a prescription.  If you are looking to order Latisse online, I suggest my recommended pharmacy, FirstClassPharmacy.com.  The current price is around $168 for home delivery.  Latisse does offer a rebate on their product after the first use with membership to their LashPerks program.  For more information on Latisse rebate, click here.