Can I Use Latisse Instead of Lumigan for Glaucoma?

Question

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?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

There are two issues. The first is that you should only use the drug that has been prescribed by your doctor. If you'd like to use Latisse, please ask your doctor first before using. However, I don't think it is a viable replacement for Lumigan. The second issue is purchasing a product labeled "Latisse" from a foreign pharmacy. Are you sure that it is actually Latisse and not something else? There are many knockoffs and counterfeit drugs out there. I would recommend you purchase any drug from a reputable source that you can trust.

Joseph Walrath, MD · Answer

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.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

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

Natalie Borodoker, MD · Answer

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.

Can I Use Latisse Instead of Lumigan for Glaucoma?

Answers (8)

Answer: No. No. No.

Answer: No. No. No.

Answer: Would not use it

Answer: Would not use it

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Everything you need to know about Latisse

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Can I Use Latisse Instead of Lumigan for Glaucoma?

Answers (8)

Answer: No. No. No.

Answer: No. No. No.

Answer: Would not use it

Answer: Would not use it

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Latisse

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.