Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analogue that was originally developed to treat eye pressure (ocular hypertension). It works by increasing the fluid drainage of the eye. It was later discovered that it also increases the growth of long, thick eyelashes when used topically. Trials have proven that this medicine is safe and effective to use for lash growth. It is available on prescription only and comes as a bottle of eye drops. It may also be prescribed with timolol eye drops, which is a beta blocker to help treat high pressure in the eye (glaucoma). A combination product of both medications is known as Eyzeetan or Ganfort. The eye drops contain a preservative, which is called benzalkonium chloride to keep the medication sterile.
In the clinical study, a total of 309 patients with idiopathic hypotrichosis were randomly assigned to receive either bimatoprost or a placebo. After 4 months, results showed that people receiving bimatoprost had significantly longer eyelashes than those who received a placebo. The difference was noticeable to others, too. The most common side effects of this medication include eye itching and dry eyes. These side effects usually go away once the body adjusts to the drug. It is important to not stop using the drug unless advised by your doctor.
Several medications can interact with this medicine, including certain eye medicines and antibiotics. It is also important to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, especially herbal medicines and supplements. Some of these can affect how well bimatoprost works, or may cause side effects.
Lumigan (bimatoprost) is usually safe to use during pregnancy. It is applied directly to the eyes and very little of it passes into the bloodstream. However, there is limited information on how it might affect your baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
The most serious complication of this medication is increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma). It can also cause swelling of the optic nerve, which could lead to blindness. This risk is greater if you have diabetes or take medications that lower your blood pressure. It is also more likely to occur if you have a condition in which the blood vessels close quickly, such as lupus or scleroderma.
In addition, this medicine can increase the risk of getting an infection in the eye. It is important to wash your hands before and after applying the drops. It is also important to avoid touching the dropper tip to your eye or any other surface.
A very rare complication of this medication is a thinning of the skin around the eyelid. This complication is more common in women than men. It is also more common in those who are older or have a family history of the disorder. It is also more common in those who have had a corneal ulcer or a severe allergic reaction to other drugs used to treat the eye disease. bimatoprost uk