Latisse Information:

Latisse is the only medication approved by the FDA to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. This is a condition in which the number and thickness of eyelashes are diminished. The drug is administered as a drop over the base of the upper eyelashes. The patient may witness longer, darker, and thicker eyelashes within 8 weeks, with the complete results being evident after 16 weeks. Latisse must continue to be administered for the effects to be maintained.

Description of Latisse:

Latisse is a clear, colorless, isotonic, and sterile ophthalmic solution, with the active ingredient being bimatoprost. This substance is a lipid that is derived from fatty acids and designed to bind with prostaglandin receptors.

Advantages of Latisse:

1. It is currently the only approved treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis.
2. It does not merely give an illusion of growth, but actually stimulates the natural growth of the eyelashes
3. It can be administered very easily by simply applying a drop of the solution on the upper eyelid
4. It is proven to be safe for application, provided certain precautions are taken

How Latisse Works:

Latisse works by stimulating the growth of eyelashes with the help of bimatoprost, its active ingredient. The precise mechanism is unknown, but it is believed that this substance affects the anagen, or growth phase of the eyelash hair cycle. It first increases the duration of this particular phase, and then increases the number of eyelashes grown during this phase. Latisse is administered as a single drop evenly on the skin along the margin at the base of the upper eyelashes. This is done with the help of a disposable sterile applicator that comes with the package. Once the applicator has been used, it must be disposed of properly.

Safety & Precautionary Information:

There are certain safety precautions that need to be kept in mind before you buy Latisse to ensure its efficacy. These precautions include the following:

1. Do not apply Latisse on the lower eyelid.
2. Do not allow the medication to come into contact with the eye if you are already taking bimatoprost as a treatment for glaucoma. If Latisse comes into contact with the eye, it may cause the glaucoma medication to become less effective.
3. Wash your hands and face before applying the medication
4. The patient should not be wearing any contact lenses during the time of application. There should not be any makeup either. The contact lenses may be inserted only after 15 minutes have passed since the application of Latisse.
5. Latisse may cause the eyelid skin to darken, although this side effect is reversible. Latisse may also cause an increased amount of brown pigmentation in the iris, which may become permanent.
6. The side effects of Latisse are very rare, but commonly include itching and redness of the eyes.
7. Hair may frequently occur in other areas where Latisse frequently comes in contact with. Any excess solution that falls outside the margin of the upper eyelid must be wiped with a tissue or any absorbent material.

Composition

Latisse contains the following:

1. Bimotaprost 0.3mg/ml (active ingredient)
2. Benzalkonium chloride 0.05mg/ml (preservative)
3. Sodium chloride, citric acid, dibasic sodium phosphate, and sterile water (inactive ingredients)