Eyelash Growth & Latisse
Please find commonly asked questions about Latisse, a topical (drop) based treatment used for eyelash growth.
Background
What is LATISSE used for?
LATISSE is used to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. This condition means having sparse or not enough eyelashes. LATISSE helps increase the growth, thickness, and darkness of your eyelashes. However, it was not studied on patients without any visible eyelashes.
Can children and teens use LATISSE?
As of now, LATISSE is not approved for use in individuals under 18 years old by Health Canada due to a lack of data about its effects on this age group.
Is LATISSE safe for older adults?
Yes, older adults can use LATISSE. No significant differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and other adult patients.
Who should not use LATISSE?
Individuals who are hypersensitive or allergic to LATISSE or any of its ingredients should not use the product. If you're not sure about this, please consult with your healthcare provider.
Access
My pharmacy says this drug isn't available in Canada. Are they right?
Some pharamcies cannot order Latisse because their drug supplier doesn't carry it in stock. This doesn't mean it's not available within Canada. You can call different pharmacies in your neighbourhood to inquire, and we can fax your prescription there. We've had some pharmacies incorrectly notify patients this drug isn't available within the country.
Is Latisse available without a prescription?
Latisse is only available by prescription within Canada. It's not available 'over-the-counter' or without a prescription, as some patients have been advised by pharmacists in the past.
Application
How do I use LATISSE?
LATISSE should be applied once nightly to the upper eyelid margin (the base of your eyelashes). Ensure your face is clean, and you've removed makeup and contact lenses. Use only one drop of LATISSE on the sterile applicator provided and apply it evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid margin. If there is any excess solution, blot it with a tissue or cloth. Dispose of the applicator after one use and repeat the process for the other eye with a new applicator.
What happens if I apply more than recommended or use LATISSE more than once a day?
More frequent application or applying more than the recommended dose will not increase the growth of your eyelashes faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of LATISSE, just go back to your regular routine the next day. Do not apply extra to make up for the missed dose.
What happens when I stop using LATISSE?
Once you stop using LATISSE®, your eyelashes are expected to gradually return to their original appearance before treatment.
What should I do if LATISSE is accidentally ingested?
If LATISSE® is accidentally ingested, you should seek immediate medical attention. While no information is available on overdosage in humans, immediate treatment is recommended.
Prescription
How does LATISSE come packaged?
LATISSE® is packed in different ways, each package includes a bottle of the solution and some disposable applicators. Here are the options:
A small pack with a bottle of 1.5 mL LATISSE® and 40 applicators.
A pack with a 3 mL bottle of LATISSE® and 60 applicators.
A pack with a 3 mL bottle of LATISSE® and 80 applicators.
A big pack with a 5 mL bottle of LATISSE® and 140 applicators.
Side Effects
What should I know before using LATISSE?
One thing to note about LATISSE is that it could increase the brown pigmentation of your iris, which is the coloured part of your eye. This is called "iris pigmentation". This change could happen slowly and might not be noticeable for months or even longer. The mechanism behind this isn't completely understood yet. If any change in iris colour is observed, you should stop using LATISSE and consult your doctor. This change may not be symmetrical, and you might notice darker or brown spots appearing on the iris. It's also important to know that this change might be permanent.
Can LATISSE affect my ability to drive or use machinery?
After applying LATISSE, you might experience a temporary blur in vision. This could potentially affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. If this occurs, it is advised that you wait until your vision clears before you get behind the wheel or use machinery.
What are the ingredients in LATISSE?
LATISSE is a solution composed of several ingredients. The main active ingredient is bimatoprost. Other ingredients include benzalkonium chloride (used as a preservative), citric acid monohydrate, purified water, sodium chloride, and sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate. The solution's pH may also be adjusted with hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide.
Is there any caution if I have eye conditions?
If you have certain eye conditions, using LATISSE might aggravate them. For instance, if you have an eye inflammation known as uveitis, or a retina-related condition called macular edema that can distort your vision, LATISSE might not be suitable for you. If you're diagnosed with high eye pressure, or if you're already taking other eye medications that are prostaglandins (like Xalatan, Travatan, or Lumigan), it's essential that you only use LATISSE under the close supervision of your doctor.
Will LATISSE affect my skin or cause hair growth in unintended areas?
Yes, there's a possibility that LATISSE could lead to hair growth in areas where the solution repeatedly comes into contact with your skin. Also, it may darken the skin around your eyes. It's therefore important to carefully apply LATISSE® only on the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes and blot any excess solution.
Are there any abnormal laboratory findings associated with LATISSE use?
There are no abnormal laboratory findings related to blood, clinical chemistry, or other quantitative data associated with LATISSE use as of the latest revisions.
Other Side Effects
Have there been any adverse reactions reported after LATISSE has been released?
Yes, after LATISSE was released to the market, some users reported additional side effects such as eye disorders (like eyelid irritation, eye pain, and blurred vision), immune system disorders (like allergic reactions), nervous system disorders (like headaches), and skin disorders (like dry skin and rashes). It's important to note that these reports are voluntary and their frequency cannot be accurately estimated.
What are the potential risks associated with improper administration or excessive doses of LATISSE?
Using LATISSE improperly or in excessive amounts may increase the risk of side effects, including elevated eye pressure. Be sure to follow administration instructions carefully.
Have there been any changes to the eye or eyelashes reported with LATISSE use?
Yes, some users reported changes including increased pigmentation of the iris and eyelashes, changes associated with loss of fat around the eyes, temporary loss or breakage of eyelashes, and abnormal hair growth.
Special Groups
Is LATISSE safe for people with no visible eyelashes?
The safety and effectiveness of LATISSE haven't been studied in people who have no visible eyelashes due to certain conditions or medications. If you have these issues, it's best to manage these conditions first before considering LATISSE. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new medication.
Is it safe to use LATISSE during pregnancy?
There haven't been enough studies to confirm if LATISSE is safe to use during pregnancy. In animal studies, certain adverse effects were observed, but these occurred at doses much higher than what a human would typically receive. Due to the lack of concrete evidence, TeleTest physicians do not recommend the use of LATISSE in pregnancy.
Can I use LATISSE while breastfeeding?
It's not known for certain if the active ingredient in LATISSE, bimatoprost, is passed into human breast milk. However, it was found in the breast milk of animals in studies.Due to the lack of concrete evidence, TeleTest physicians do not recommend the use of LATISSE while breastfeeding.
Last updated