Latisse™ by Allergan
Are the days of sitting in front of a mirror and meticulously
applying mascara and curling eyelashes over? There is finally
a medication that is proven to be effective to enhance the
growth and appearance of eyelashes. This new medication became
available by good luck and happenstance.
Allergan sells their ocular drug Bimatoprost under the brand
name of Lumigan for the treatment and management of glaucoma
and intraocular hypertension. Lumigan is a prostaglandin analog
and is topically applied to the globe of the eye. Lumigan
increases the outflow of fluid from the eye, thereby lowering
the intraocular pressure. A noted side effect observed by
Lumigan patients is that the product enhanced the growth,
fullness, and darkness of eyelashes.
Allergan repurposed the drug through the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) under the brand name of Latisse™
to treat hypotrichosis, which is the medical term used to
define inadequate or sparse eyelashes. Allergan owns the intellectual
properties and patents for the cosmetic use of prostaglandins
to darken and lengthen eyelashes. There is competition in
the marketplace with other products claiming similar action
and clinical results. Allergan has been aggressively protecting
their patent estate through the court system for infringement,
targeting several companies and their respective prostaglandin
analogs:*
• Age Intervention® Eyelash by Jan Marini Skin
Research
• RevitaLash® by Athena Cosmetics Corp.
• MD Lash Factor™ by PhotoMedex Inc.
In February 2007, at the request of the FDA, U.S. Marshals
seized over $2 million dollars of applicator tubes of Age
Intervention Eyelash from Jan Marini Skin Research. Jan Marini
Skin Research had promoted their product to increase eyelash
growth without clinical studies to support their claims and
did not have FDA approval. The FDA considered Age Intervention
Eyelash to be an unapproved and misbranded drug. Before a
new drug product is legally marketed, it must be shown to
be safe, effective, and approved by FDA.**
Latisse™ is the only FDA approved drug formulated
for the cosmetic purpose of treating hypotrichosis. A prescription
must be obtained from a physician prior to use. Please keep
in mind that this is the same drug used to treat glaucoma,
used at the same strength (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution)
0.03%), and is distributed in the same bottle and package.
Whether it is for the treatment of intraocular hypertension
or for hypotrichosis, the contraindications, potential risks,
and adverse effects of this medication are the same. These
need to be discussed with your prescribing physician and/or
physician’s office. Possible side effects include blurred
vision, redness, burning, and discomfort to the eyes. Latisse™
may possibly cause darkening of the iris and macular edema
has been reported. Because there is a chemical preservative
in the formulation, contacts must be removed before the application
of the medication and, afterwards, remain out at least an
additional 15 minutes. Additional product and full prescribing
information is available at http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/latisse_pi.pdf.
Latisse™ comes in a kit with enough solution
and sterile applicators for treatment for one month.
Patient cost for one kit is approximately $120. More
is not better… only once-per-night administration
is strongly advised and, in fact, additional amount
used may lessen the clinical results. The product is
topically applied to the upper eyelashes with applicators,
as depicted in figures 1 and 2. It usually takes about
4-8 weeks before noticeable changes occur in the length,
thickness, and darkness of eyelashes. Maximum results
are usually appreciated around 16 weeks. In their clinical
study, Allergan reports that “78% saw significant
increases in all of the following three measurements
at week 16: length, fullness and darkness.” At
that time, a maintenance treatment dosage is suggested
to prevent the eyelashes from returning to their original
form.
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| Latisse™ is a new and exciting prescription
treatment to enhance the appearance of your eyelashes.
Latisse™ solution is the only FDA approved drug
solely for the cosmetic purpose of growing eyelashes,
making them longer, thicker, and darker. See a board
certified physician to obtain further information on
this product and to verify if you are a suitable candidate.
You may also call Allergan’s product information
department at (800) 433-8871.
* Wall Street Journal: Drug That Lengthens Eyelashes Sets
Off Flutter, Rhonda L. Rundle, November 19, 2007; Page B1
**http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01746.html
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