Beauty Byte: FDA Approves Eyelash-Growth Drug

December 29, 2008

Back in June, the maker of Botox was seeking FDA approval of its eyelash-boosting drug. Now, Allergan got its wish: the FDA has approved Latisse, an eyelash-thickening agent meant for people who have hypotrichosis of the eyelashes — in other words, too few lashes.

Latisse's active ingredient is bimatroprost, which happens to be the same ingredient used in glaucoma treatments. Side effects may include itchy eyes, eye redness, a change in skin color, and a potentially permanent darkening of the iris. For people who have serious eyelash problems, it's probably worth a shot — but considering the possible side effects, I'll stick with my mascara for now.

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18 Comments

echorenee 3 years

I tried using this stuff called Lash-Em a couple of weeks ago and it is not out yet I got it through a pro make up artist, she said it should be out in the next couple months though and I must say I am loving the results! I was skeptical to try these eyelash growth serums because of all the controversy over latisse and I have blue eyes, but so far this product has caused no irritation and no negative side effects :D

MissSushi 4 years

I agree skc... if for vanity reasons, why not a skin condition like psorasis, perhaps a medicine or treatment for them that doesnt cause lymphoma or liver failure..

SKC Sparkle 4 years

This kind of stuff creeps me out! Why can't research money go to curing actual diseases instead of vanity?!?!

lotuslight 4 years

I use this now in its current, non-renamed prescription form: Lumigan. I brush it at the base of my lashes at night, with a sterilized eyeliner brush. It has done wonders for my eyelashes (which were already long). They are now longer, thicker, and darker. I love the stuff, and I've had no side effects (and, I have light eyes that would show a color change).

emalove 4 years

LOL--my eyelashes are so long already, I can't imagine what this would do to them! Doesn't sound very safe anyway. I'd pass on it even if I had short, stubby lashes.

SATClover 4 years

This could work for my cousin. I know a lot of people are critcizing this product...like "oh well why wouldn't you just use mascara who would need this? Due to a nervous habit my cousin has pulled out all of her eyelashes over a period of time. She has no eyelashes. Zero, zilch, nada, there is literally nothing there. So she puts on her eyeliner really thick to intensify her eyes since she can't use mascara.

babiidollxxx 4 years

I'll be sticking with false eyelashes and volumizing mascara thanks!

0fashionqueen 4 years

I think that it is great that FDA is getting involved in what we in injecting in our bodies, but I REALLY LIKE MY BODY FOR WHAT IT IS.

mamato2 4 years

I barely take pain relievers because I hate taking medicine. Wouldn't take glaucoma medicines just to have one of its side effects (long lashes). I agree with Bella and will stick to my mascara for now.

Katharine 4 years

What does change of skin color mean exactly?

KayEff 4 years

I used to work at an ohpthalmologist's office with a fair number of glaucoma patients. Some of them had complained of having to trim their eyelashes after starting on treatments, since 60 year old men didn't need half-inch-long eyelashes! So it *does* work.

KayEff 4 years

CYL 4 years

..eh no thanks...

CYL 4 years

..eh no thanks...

sham28 4 years

"Considering the possible side effects, I'll stick with my mascara for now." I think that is a very solid choice, Ms. Bellasugar.

sham28 4 years

"Considering the possible side effects, I'll stick with my mascara for now."I think that is a very solid choice, Ms. Bellasugar.

tglynn 4 years

I also read that as soon as you stop the medication, your eyelashes go back to normal (since you grow new ones every 6 weeks)

d_et_g 4 years

Wow - a new illness is created all the time as soon as a medicine is invented! Look at the side effects? I think I'd stick with glue on fake eyelashes any day instead of red, itchy eyes and having my skin color change...

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18 Comments