Latisse Prescribing Instructions
Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%) should be applied once daily in the evening directly to the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes using the provided sterile applicators, with one applicator per eye and immediate disposal after single use.
Dosing and Administration
The proper prescribing protocol for Latisse involves:
- Frequency: Once-daily application in the evening 1
- Application site: Upper eyelid margin only, at the base of the eyelashes
- Technique: Use one sterile, single-use applicator per eye, then immediately discard
- Do NOT apply to lower eyelid: This is a critical safety point to avoid unnecessary exposure
Storage Requirements
Prescribers should instruct patients on proper storage 1:
- Unopened bottles: Refrigerate at 2°-8°C (36°-46°F), protected from light
- During shipping: May be maintained up to 40°C (104°F) for maximum 8 days
- After opening: Store at room temperature up to 25°C (77°F) for maximum 6 weeks
Expected Timeline and Efficacy
Patients should be counseled that:
- Initial results typically appear within 2 months
- Full effect achieved at 4 months of continuous use
- Treatment must be continued to maintain results; discontinuation leads to gradual return to baseline over several weeks to months
Research demonstrates that bimatoprost 0.03% effectively restores eyelash growth in hypotrichosis, including chemotherapy-induced eyelash loss, with statistically significant improvements in length, thickness, and darkness 2.
Common Adverse Effects to Discuss
Most frequent side effect: Conjunctival hyperemia (redness), occurring in approximately 20% of patients 3. This is typically mild in severity (>80% of cases) 3.
Other prostaglandin-related effects include:
- Eyelash growth changes (darkening, lengthening, thickening) - the desired effect
- Eyelid skin darkening (reversible upon discontinuation)
- Iris pigmentation changes (rare with eyelid margin application, more common with intraocular use)
- Eyelid erythema
- Pruritus
Critical Safety Warnings
Contraindications and precautions:
- Remove contact lenses before application; may reinsert 15 minutes later
- Avoid in patients with active intraocular inflammation or infection
- Use caution in patients with history of intraocular inflammation (uveitis)
- Pregnancy Category C: Should generally be avoided during pregnancy due to theoretical risk of premature labor with prostaglandin analogs 4
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Over-application: More is not better; excess solution can cause increased pigmentation of surrounding skin
- Application to lower lid: Increases risk of adverse effects without benefit
- Reusing applicators: Each applicator is single-use only to prevent contamination
- Inconsistent use: Daily compliance is essential for results
- Applying to eyes directly: This is for eyelid margin use only, not intraocular administration
Supply Information
Latisse is supplied as 2.5 mL solution (50 μg/mL bimatoprost) with applicators 1. This is a prescription-only medication requiring appropriate documentation and patient counseling.