Can I Use Latisse Instead of Lumigan for Glaucoma?

asked 7 months ago by Carolina K
Latest answer by Natalie Borodoker, MD
Question viewed 143 times
Tags: effective, glaucoma, safety

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?

7 answers to Can I Use Latisse Instead of Lumigan for Glaucoma?

Latisse is for eyelashes, not for eyes

While both Latisse and Lumigan are bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, Latisse is approved for use on eyelashes only. It is also very risky ordering medications from foreign pharmacies, especially when you don't know where the medication is being manufactured.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD
South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

Would not use it

Bimatoprost 0.03% is a formulation for both Latisse and Lumigan. However, Lumigan is used as a drop, while Latisse is brushed on the lash line. I would be more concerned buying from a foreign pharmacy with unclear regulation as to the control and formula of this medicine. Be careful, the drops may contain some additives or preservatives not present in the Allergan version of this drug that passed careful FDA control.

Natalie Borodoker, MD
New York Ophthalmologist

Using Latisse for Glaucoma

Thank you for your question. I do not recommend you use Latisse for treatment of your Glaucoma. Please speak with your Ophthalmologist to see what options you have in regards to your Glaucoma medication but do not use Latisse.. it has not been tested for treating Glaucoma and could cause problems for you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

What's the "Real" Question Here?

The real question that is being posed is should one purchase their glaucoma medication at a deep discount from a "foreign" pharmacy? I have patients who are originally from India and Mexico and they travel to their home countries frequently. They have reported to me that they are able to obtain their medications from legitimate pharmacies at much cheaper rates when compared to the U.S. It really makes me wonder why Americans are charge so much more for the same medications (I hear... more

Relief Jones, III, MD
San Antonio Ophthalmologist

No. No. No.

Although they are identical formulations, the preparation of Latisse is designed for the eyelashes. The volume of medicine delivered to your eye will not be enough to treat the glaucoma. And the amount of medicine in a bottle of Latisse is lower than how much you will get in a bottle of Lumigan, so you won't be saving any money in the long run anyway. Do NOT use Latisse to treat your glaucoma

A.J. Amadi, MD
Seattle Oculoplastic Surgeon

Latisse is not intended to be used for glaucoma

It's true that bimatoprost is a glaucoma medication, but only your ophthalmologist can tell you if it is appropriate for your type of glaucoma. In addition, how do you know what you are getting by ordering medications from a foreign pharmacy? I would not recommend either using Latisse for glaucoma or getting it from a foreign pharmacy.

Emily Altman, MD
Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

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