Can I Use Bimatoprost 0.03% Instead of Latisse?

asked 3 years ago by Seekingforhelp in India
Latest answer by Emil Chynn, MD
Question viewed 113,002 times
Tags: Bimatoprost, comparison, generic

What is the difference between Latisse and Bimatoprost 0.03%. Can I use Bimatoprost 0.03% from Allergan instead of Latisse? (It is much cheaper and costs in India from Allergan around 15 US$). Has Bimatoprost (although I know that Latisse consists Bimatoprost) more side effects? Thanks

11 answers to Can I Use Bimatoprost 0.03% Instead of Latisse?

+10

Latisse and Lumigan are the same

Latisse and Lumigan are the same medication in different bottles so they will have the same effect. Having said that,if you are in the United States, especially, I caution you from asking your doctor for a prescription for Lumigan, though, if you do not have glaucoma. If you are trying to get your insurance to pay for your eyelash treatments, this is a bad idea as your insurance records will be flagged as you having glaucoma treatments. It might make it difficult for you to get insurance... more

Jonathan Hoenig, MD
Beverly Hills Oculoplastic Surgeon

You could, but it may not be the strongest

Though you could use Bimatoprost as an alternative to Latisse, you may want to try Travoprost. Travoprost is a related, but slightly different molecule than Bimatoprost that on animals, was shown to be more effective in growing hair. I have seen tremendous success with Travoprost (Travatan) in our patients.

Jeffrey Ellis, MD
Long Island Dermatologic Surgeon

Latisse equal to generic Bimatoprost

It is probably the same product with the same benefits and side effects. It should technically be applied to the upper lid. It can promote hair growth anywhere including the cheek, if it falls there. It can also cause hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin, change in the color of the iris, irritation, inflammation, redness, and itching of the eyelid skin.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Using Lumigan instead of Latisse

Of course you can do this, as a box of Latisse contains a bottle of Lumigan!:) if it makes you feel better, just stick the bottle of Lumigan in a white box, write the word Latisse on it with a black Sharpie, and you'll have the identical product!:)

Emil Chynn, MD
New York Ophthalmologist

Bimatoprost is the same as Latisse is the same as Lumigan

Bimatoprost is the same as Latisse is the same as Lumigan. Some physicians have been using Lumigan (Bimatoprost) for hypotrichosis or short eyelashes for several years. Physicians first noticed the effects of Bimatoprost using Lumigan, which is also sold by Allergan, for the treatment of glaucoma.

Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Latisse and Bimatoprost

The glaucoma med and Latisse are the same product, they are just marketed differently. I do not think that the side effect are any different for either product.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Lumigan is much cheaper

But doesn't include the best applicator. That shouldn't stop individuals motivated to save $. Officially of course patients should only use medications for their intended use.

Benjamin Ticho, MD
Chicago Ophthalmologist

Latisse is Bimatoprost

The active medication in Latisse is bimatoprost 0.03%. As some other physicians have noted, be careful using a medication which does not have the indication you are using it for as it may label you with a certain disease.

D.J. Verret, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

Latisse vs Lumigan

The product are the same. That being said, getting it prescribed and paid by your insurance would probably constitute an element of fraud by your provider and yourself. I would be very careful in this situation.

Chris Thiagarajah, MD
Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon

Not a good idea

While the active medications are the same, I would not use the medication that is used for glaucoma. It is always safer to use a medication for its indication. In addition, if you are prescribed the glaucoma medication, many would consider this fraud. Be careful with this.

Ryan Greene, MD, PhD
Fort Lauderdale Facial Plastic Surgeon

Substitution Not A Good Idea

Although the products are similar, using a medication that is labeled for a specific medical problem will likely flag you as having that disease. For example, Lumigan is used to treat glaucoma and obtaining a prescription will tell your insurance company that you have been diagnosed with glaucoma and this will go in your records. Latisse, is used for a cosmetic problem called hypotrichosis (short hairs) and this diagnosis should not carry any significant implications for your medical... more