Atlanta Ophthalmologists

Latisse Causing Redness Around Skin on Eye Rims and Lids- Stopped Use, But Is It Permanent?

Hi there I've stopped using Latisse after 1 yr due to redness around the skin area of eye rims and lids. I discontinued using the product 4 wks ago but still get the redness. The GP said its Blepharitis, but the only symptoms have been redness - nothing else. Will this eventually go away on it's own, or is the redness something I'll be putting up with forever (Im not using any other products). Regards

You are not alone!  About 90% of people who use Latisse, according to one pooled study, have mild side effects -- of course, they are so mild and people like the product so much that most of them keep using it anyway. The most common side effects are mild inflammation, which makes sense, because Latisse is essentially the OPPOSITE of Motrin.  It causes some inflammation.  Eye redness, eyelid redness and irritation are relatively common side effects.  This will get better, if that is truly what you are dealing with.  

This is not to be confused with increased pigmentation, which is a different process, and which also can occur with Latisse.  One study reports that this will typically get better by 3-12 months after stopping the product.  Another study found failure to get better up to six months.  If six months pass and the darkened eyelids remain, I would see help from a dermatologist -- it is likely that some of the products used for blotchy patches on the skin like kojic acid might help.

I would ask your ophthalmologist if it would be a problem to try hydrocortisone on the eyelids, which may speed up the resolution of the redness.  Certain people should not use steroids around the eyes, and your ophthalmologist will know if you are one of them!

Joseph Walrath, MD

Atlanta Ophthalmologist

Can I Use Latisse Instead of Lumigan for Glaucoma?

I am 46 years old and have advanced glaucoma. My doctor has prescribed Lumigan as one of my medications. I have no insurance, and I have to pay out of pocket for all my medications. I have found a foreign pharmacy that sells bimatoprost 0.03%, labeled as Latisse, for $10/bottle (versus $60-70 in U.S. pharmacies). Would it be safe and effective to use the product labeled "Latisse" in place of Lumigan for glaucoma?

I am sorry to hear that you are faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to pay out of pocket for Lumigan.  I would be concerned about using a copycat foreign medication in the eyes.  It is unclear if the quality controls would be similar to what Allergan and the FDA require, but probably not.  There is more than just medicine in these products: preservatives, drug vehicle, etc.  There might be a lot of unwanted material in there, even if the medicine components were similar, which may or may not be true.  The way the product is formulated may increase your risk of eye infections if you use repeatedly in the eye.

I would recommend that you look into patient assistance programs from Allergan, which you can find on their web site.

Joseph Walrath, MD

Atlanta Ophthalmologist

What Are Potential Latisse Side Effects?

Can Latisse cause any side effects I should be aware of?  If so, what are they and how long do Latisse side effects last?

Latisse is a prostaglandin analog -- think of it as the OPPOSITE of Motrin (which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis by the body).  Therefore, it is not unusual to have some redness of the eyelid with its use.  In terms of effects on the eye itself, there is a very small risk of iris pigmentation changes.  Since it tends to increase inflammation, one reason not to take Latisse would be if you have inflammatory diseases of the eye or eyelids: bad dry eye syndrome, bad blepharitis, or intraocular inflammation (iritis, uveitis).

Joseph Walrath, MD

Atlanta Ophthalmologist