Before the FDA approval of Latisse, Revitalash and another product named LashMD both came on the market for the purpose of lengthening and thickening lashes. Both did a very respectable job and we carried LashMD until it was no longer available.
The proprietary ingredient, bimatropost, is patented by Allergan and in smaller volume bottles is marketed as the prescription glaucoma drug Lumigan. (Purpose of use and directions for use are completely different for the two products even though the product is the same solution!) Allergan went through the process of FDA approval to be able to promote bimatropost as a prescription for insufficicent eyelashes. As such, Latisse is the ONLY FDA approved lash growth product.
Latisse requires a prescription so that users will need to see a doctor or be a current patient prior to being able to buy the product. This is in place for patient safety. In my practice, we verify a patient's chart before issuing a prescription. New patients simply need to stop in for a complimentary consult so we can medically rule out any eye conditions that would make the product unsafe for them to use and properly instruct them on use. Too much or improperly applied product could create some unwanted effect.
Too, some people may have underlying eye disease that would mean they should not use this or similar products around their eyes. As a class C drug, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is this dedication to safety for patients that makes FDA approved Latisse a preferred product over other cosmetic products which do not disclose ingredients or precautions.
Pricing will probably be very similar or maybe a little less than the "street price" of Revitalsh. Allergan adds individual applicators to the Latisse packaging so there is no cross contamination from one eye to the other.
