Latisse (bimatoprost) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions

Latisse (bimatoprost) is a synthetic prostaglandin analog that resembles and mimics the effects of natural chemicals (prostaglandins) produced by the body, and is used for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and increasing the growth of eyelashes. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. 

Latisse may reduce IOP by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye of individuals with narrow angle glaucoma. Excessive aqueous humor may cause optic nerve damage and visual loss. Latisse may increase eyelash growth by increasing the duration of the growing phase of the eyelash.

Common side effects of Latisse include:

• itching of the eyes,
• growth of eyelashes,
• eye irritation,
• dry eyes,
• eye redness,
• eyelash darkening and reversible darkening of skin around the eyes,
• permanent brown pigmentation in the colored part of the eye, and
• hair growth in other areas of the body that it comes in contact with.

Serious side effects of Latisse include severe burning or itching of your eyes.

Drug interactions of Latisse include prostaglandin-like drugs used for treating elevated IOP when Latisse is used for eyelash growth. Latisse should be administered at least five minutes before or after other eye medications. 

Latisse contains benzalkonium chloride, which may be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Contact lenses should be removed prior to application of Latisse, and may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration. 

Use of Latisse in pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated. It is unknown if Latisse is excreted in human breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Common side effects include:

• Itching of the eyes
• Growth of eyelashes
• Eye irritation
• Dry eyes
• Eye redness
• Eye lash darkening and reversible darkening of skin around the eyes

Bimatoprost may also cause permanent brown pigmentation in the colored part of the eye and hair growth in other areas of the body that it comes in contact with.

The following adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

• Effects on Intraocular Pressure
• Iris Pigmentation
• Lid Pigmentation
• Hair Growth Outside the Treatment Area
• Intraocular Inflammation
• Macular Edema
• Hypersensitivity

Clinical Trial Experience

The following information is based on clinical trial results from a multicenter, double-masked, randomized, vehicle-controlled, parallel study including 278 adult patients for four months of treatment.

The most frequently reported adverse reactions were:

• eye pruritus,
• conjunctival hyperemia,
• skin hyperpigmentation,
• ocular irritation,
• dry eye symptoms, and
• periorbital erythema.

These reactions occurred in less than 4% of patients. Additional adverse reactions seen in clinical trials experience include foreign body sensation, hair growth abnormal, and iris hyperpigmentation.

Additional adverse reactions reported with bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (Umigan) for the reduction of intraocular pressure include:

• ocular dryness,
• visual disturbance,
• ocular burning,
• eye pain,
• blepharitis,
• cataract,
• superficial punctate keratitis,
• eye discharge,
• tearing,
• photophobia,
• allergic conjunctivitis,
• asthenopia,
• conjunctival edema,
• iritis,
• infections (primarily colds and upper respiratory tract infections),
• headaches, and
• asthenia.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of Latisse. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

The reactions include:

• dry skin of the eyelid and/or periocular area,
• eye swelling,
• eyelid edema,
• hypersensitivity (local allergic reactions),
• lacrimation increased,
• madarosis and trichorrhexis (temporary loss of a few lashes to loss of sections of eyelashes, and temporary eyelash breakage, respectively),
• periorbital and lid changes associated with a deepening of the eyelid sulcus,
• rash (including macular and erythematous),
• skin discoloration (periorbital), and
• vision blurred.

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