This medication is used to treat patients with not
enough or inadequate eyelashes. Bimatoprost makes the eyelashes more
noticeable by causing more eyelashes to grow and making them longer,
thicker, and darker. Bimatoprost is similar to a natural chemical in the
body (prostaglandin).
Bimatoprost is also used to treat glaucoma. If you are
already using or are directed to use bimatoprost to treat glaucoma, be
careful not to get this eyelash medication into your eyes. Getting extra
bimatoprost in your eyes may make it less effective for treating glaucoma.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using bimatoprost and each time you get a
refill. Learn how to properly apply this medication. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually
once daily in the evening.
To apply this medication, first wash your hands and
face. Remove any makeup and contact lenses. Contact lenses may be
reinserted 15 minutes after applying this medication. Place one drop of
this medication onto the provided applicator. Then right away draw the
applicator carefully across the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the
bottom of the eyelashes going from the inner part of your lash line to the
outer part. Blot any excess solution that is applied beyond the eyelid
margin. Throw away the applicator after applying the medication. Repeat
with a new applicator for the other upper eyelid. This medication is not
for use on the lower eyelids.
If any medication gets into the eye, do not rinse your
eye. It is not likely to cause any harm if this medication gets into the
eye, because it is the same medication that is used in the eyes to treat
glaucoma.
To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or
let it touch your eyelashes or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper.
Replace the dropper cap after each use, and keep the cap tightly
closed.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each evening. Do not
use more of this medication than recommended. Using more will not make this
medication work faster. It may take up to 2 months before the full benefits
of using this medication are seen.
When this medication is stopped, expect the appearance
of the eyelashes to return to the way they looked before starting treatment
with bimatoprost.
It is possible that the effects between your two sets of
eyelashes may not be the same. There may be differences in eyelash length,
thickness, fullness, color, number or direction of growth. If any of these
occur, talk to your doctor.
Eye redness/discomfort/itching/dryness or eyelid redness
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
It is possible for hair growth to happen in other areas
of your skin where this medication often touches. Be sure to wipe any extra
medication after applying it to the eyelash margins (see also How to Use
section).
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
When the eye drop form of this medication is applied
directly into the eyes to treat glaucoma, it may slowly (over months to
years) cause brown discoloration of the colored portion of the eye (iris).
This form of bimatoprost used to improve eyelash appearance could also have
this effect. Also, this medication may cause eyelid changes or a darkening
of the skin around the base of the eyelashes. After stopping use, eyelid
skin darkening should go away after several weeks to months. However other
side effects (such as discoloration of the iris) may be permanent. Tell
your doctor if any of these side effects occur.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- eye pain
- suspected eye infection (discharge, unusual redness, swelling
of eyes)
- rapid vision changes (such as loss of vision)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using bimatoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as latanoprost,
travoprost); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride),
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems (such as discoloration
of contact lenses). Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- eye pressure problems (such as glaucoma)
- other eye problems (such as macular edema, iritis, uveitis,
lens extraction/aphakia)
If you develop a new eye condition (such as infection,
eye surgery, eye injury) while using this medication, discuss with your
doctor whether you should start using a new bottle.
If you are having your eye pressure tested, tell the
testing personnel (such as optometrist or ophthalmologist) that you are
using this medication.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- certain glaucoma eye drops (such as bimatoprost, latanoprost,
travoprost)
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication has been prescribed for your current
condition only. Do not use it for another condition unless told to do so by
your doctor.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Keep
all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.