The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned Allergan, the makers of Botox, that the website for its eyelash growth product, Latisse, is misleading because it avoids or downplays risks associated with the product.
The FDA said that Latisse, a prescription only product, either doesn't mention potential side effects including bacterial eye infection, allergic reactions, excess hair growth outside the intended treatment area, and permanent changes in iris and eyelid pigmentation, or presents them in small text that is much less prominent than statements about the product's effectiveness. In some cases, pages on the Web site leaves out information that is included in Latisse packaging.
The
FDA approved Latisse as an eyelash growth product last December.The active ingredient, bimatoprost, is a drug that is used for the treatment for glaucoma. Some users of rival over the counter eyelash growth products such as
LiLash, which also use a glaucoma drug, have
told Truth In Aging that they have suffered side effects such hair growing on their cheeks.
I just checked out the Latisse site and it seems to have responded rapidly to the FDA's complaints. There is a clearly positioned '
about safety' tab on the home page and the potential side effects, including permanent change of eye color, are set out in full.
June 13, 2013
by brandy
Hi, I started using latisse about 2 1/2 months ago, my eye lashes look great but I noticed my vision started to start to become blurry, and shortly I began to have problems with lite rings in my vision as well. Off to the doctor I went and from there referred to an eye specialists and sadly enough im one of the 4% who will not be able to continue to use this product. The visual disturbance is something I can't live with so I will have to live without the lashes. Its a great product.
May 24, 2013
by Ady
I have been using Latisse since it became commercially available-for several years now. When I first started using the product, I used it nightly but found that the skin around my eyes was very itchy, red and irritated. However, my lashes grew beautifully. I have tried ALL of the lash serums without success. I now use Latisse but stick to an every other night schedule. I also use just 2 drops, placed into the cap. This also extends the use of the very pricey product.
For all those people concerned about the risks of Latisse, remember that in the study in glaucoma patients, the drops were placed IN the eyes. The patients who experienced a change in eye color were just a few. As a blue-eyed, fair-skinned blonde, I was concerned about this as well. However, my blue eyes are just as blue as ever! I do try to wipe the drops off of the corners of my eyes, as I have noticed my skin is stained where the solution runs down.
My eye doctor checked my ocular pressure (as part of a routine exam) after one year of use and found absolutely no difference.
I think the risks associated with this product are entirely blown out of proportion. Regular saline eye drops can also infection if not handled properly. But I also think everyone is a little different and should use in caution. But overall, a very safe product.
April 19, 2013
by KrisRoyston
Latisse caused a problem with my eyelids!
I had to stop using. Went to allergist to find problem.
April 16, 2013
by marion
I had a stem cell transplant & chemo 2 years ago and lost my hair and most of my lashes. A nurse suggested I try Latisse as they recommend it to patients for that reason.After using Latisse for almost a month, my eyes were so irritated and dry that they would stick to my eyelids at night. I couldn't open them without ripping the top layer of cells off. The most painful experience of my life. I now have corneal erosion that I have to see a specialist for.(as well a eye pressure and blurred vision). I am Canadian, we don't need a prescription here for Latisse. We also don't tend to sue. However, I feel very wronged by Allergan and wondered if there still is a Class Action Suit in the works?
April 10, 2013
by Lorene
Latisse and Lumigan both mqnufactured by Allergan for past 2.5 years~recently stoped using due to blurred vision, itchy dry eyes, red capillaries appeared around eyes making use of white eyeshadow. I used to have 20/10 vision like a hawk,now I can't read or see far away!! Glasses have not removed blurry vision!!
HELP~will this resolve in time or has this product caused permanent damage??!