Frequently Asked Questions About Latisse

Step 1: Before Applying

Before applying LATISSE® each night, ensure your face is clean, makeup and contact lenses are removed, and any other facial care products have already been applied.

Step 2: Prepare the Applicator

Remove an applicator from its tray. Then, holding the sterile applicator horizontally, place one drop of LATISSE® solution on the area of the applicator closest to the tip but not on the tip.

Step 3: Apply to Skin Using Applicator

Immediately draw the applicator carefully along the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes (where the eyelashes meet the skin) going from the inner part of your lash line to the outer part. DO NOT APPLY in your eye or to the lower lid because excess hair growth outside the treatment area may occur.

Step 4: Blot Excess

Blot any excess solution beyond the eyelid with a tissue.

Step 5: Dispose of Applicator

Dispose of the applicator after one use. Repeat for opposite eyelid, using a new sterile applicator to help minimize any potential for contamination from one eyelid to another.

Some important do’s and don’ts:

Do not apply to the lower lid or in the eye and blot excess solution with a tissue.
Only use the sterile applicators supplied with LATISSE® to apply the product.
Don’t allow the tip of the bottle or applicator to touch fingers or any other unintended surface, as contamination by common bacteria is known to cause infections.
Remove contact lenses prior to applying LATISSE®. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes afterwards.
Remember, if you stop using LATISSE®, lashes will gradually return to their previous appearance.

Does LATISSE work?

For the majority of patients, LATISSE^® has worked well to grow their lashes, which mirrors the results from the LATISSE^® clinical study. The lashes grow gradually over time with some people beginning to see longer lashes in about four weeks, with full growth at 16 weeks.

Specifically, patients treated with LATISSE^® in the clinical study experienced a:

25% increase in lash length (vs. 2% for vehicle)
106% increase in lash thickness/fullness (vs. 12% for vehicle)
18% increase in lash darkness (vs. 3% for vehicle)

How is LATISSE® different than other lash products that don't require a prescription?

LATISSE® is the only FDA-approved product to grow lashes longer, fuller and darker for those who do not have enough lashes. It has been studied for safety and efficacy and is available only by prescription.

Why do I have to get a prescription and see a doctor to use LATISSE®?

LATISSE® is a prescription medication to grow the eyelashes longer, fuller and darker, indicated for people with inadequate or not enough lashes. LATISSE® needs to be prescribed by a doctor to assure the proper treatment and use.

How do I use LATISSE®

LATISSE® is a treatment you apply yourself each evening to the base of the upper eyelashes. Each LATISSE® kit contains detailed instructions for proper application. You can also see step-by-step directions here.

What are the potential 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 in the clinical study. 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.

If LATISSE® patients develop a new ocular condition (e.g., trauma or infection), experience a sudden decrease in visual acuity, have ocular surgery or develop any ocular reactions, particularly conjunctivitis and eyelid reactions, they should immediately seek their physician's advice concerning the continued use of LATISSE® solution.

Can LATISSE® change my eye color?

LATISSE® use may cause increased brown iris pigmentation of the colored part of the eye which is likely to be permanent. While very infrequent, increased iris pigmentation has occurred when LATISSE® solution was administered. Do not apply LATISSE® in your eye or to the lower lid.

Can LATISSE® darken my eyelids?

While this is a common concern, eyelid skin darkening is actually a less common side effect. In a study for FDA approval, localized skin darkening only occurred in approximately 2.9% of patients using LATISSE®. It’s caused by an increase in melanin close to where the solutiuon is applied and is expected to reverse several weeks to months after discontinuing use of the product.

Can LATISSE® harm my eyes?

LATISSE® is an ophthalmic solution. If any solution gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm. You do not need to rinse your eyes. LATISSE® is not an eye drop. DO NOT APPLY in your eye or to the lower lid.

I've heard some people use different brushes than those that come with LATISSE®. Is that OK?

No. LATISSE® is packaged with sterile applicators.

How soon will I see results

Growth is gradual over time. Some may start to notice longer lashes after about a month and many should experience full results in approximately four months. This is similar to the clinical trial results, but individual results may vary. Just like it takes some time for LATISSE® to work, if use of LATISSE® is discontinued, eyelashes will return to their previous appearance over the course of several weeks to months.

Do I really have to use LATISSE® daily?

Yes, LATISSE® should be applied daily to the base of the upper eyelashes. To achieve the full effect of longer, fuller and darker lashes, you should use the product daily for 16 weeks.

What happens if I stop using LATISSE®?

Just like it takes some time for LATISSE® to work to grow lashes, if you stop using the product, your eyelashes will gradually return to their previous appearance over the course of several weeks to months.

What if I forget to apply one night? Or a few nights?

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

Is LATISSE® a replacement for mascara?

LATISSE® does not work in place of mascara, but rather is a treatment to grow lashes for those with inadequate or not enough lashes and requires a prescription from a doctor. Many of my LATISSE® patients still use mascara.

Can I use LATISSE® if I wear contacts?

Yes, but you should take them out before applying LATISSE®. Just remove your contact lenses and then wait for 15 minutes after applying LATISSE® before putting your contacts back in.

Is there anyone who should not use LATISSE®?

LATISSE® is not appropriate for people who are allergic to bimatoprost or any other ingredient in the product. If you are under care for glaucoma, notify your ophthalmologist that you are using LATISSE®. As noted in the LATISSE® product label, people using medications for the treatment of any eye pressure problems should only use LATISSE® under close doctor care. Also, anyone with known or suspected active eye disease, or anyone who is at risk for eye disorders, should check with an eye doctor before using LATISSE®.

If I apply more LATISSE®, will I get faster results?

No. LATISSE® works gradually over the 16-week treatment period. Use of LATISSE® more than once a day will not increase the growth of eyelashes. Please follow the directions, as instructed by your doctor.

How do I maintain my results?

To achieve the full effect of LATISSE®, you will need to use the product daily for 16 weeks. After that point, you can talk to your doctor about ongoing use.

What should I do if I get LATISSE® solution into my eye?

LATISSE® solution is an ophthalmic drug product. If any gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm. The eye does not need to be rinsed.