What is the difference between Latisse and Lumigan?

Originally, the cosmetic effect of eyelash growth was observed as a side effect in patients using the glaucoma medication, Lumigan. This observation led to the development of Latisse, and understanding what is the difference between Latisse and Lumigan is critical for proper and safe use.

Quick Summary

Latisse and Lumigan contain the active ingredient bimatoprost but serve different purposes: Latisse is for cosmetic eyelash growth, while Lumigan is a therapeutic eye drop for treating glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Key Points

• Active Ingredient: Both Latisse and Lumigan contain the same active ingredient, bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog.

• Intended Purpose: Latisse is a cosmetic treatment for eyelash growth, while Lumigan is a therapeutic medication for glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

• Bimatoprost Concentration: Latisse typically contains a higher concentration of bimatoprost (0.03%) than Lumigan (0.01%).

• Application Method: Latisse is applied topically to the upper lash line with a brush, whereas Lumigan is administered as an eye drop.

• Side Effects: Both can cause eye redness and eyelid darkening, but Lumigan carries a higher risk of permanent iris darkening due to direct instillation.

• Interchangeability: The medications are not interchangeable due to their different concentrations, application methods, and risk profiles.

• Insurance Coverage: As a cosmetic treatment, Latisse is generally not covered by insurance, unlike the therapeutic drug Lumigan.

Latisse and Lumigan are two brand-name prescription medications manufactured by Allergan that contain the same active ingredient, bimatoprost. Despite this key similarity, they are specifically formulated, approved, and used for entirely different purposes. The development of Latisse came from the discovery that patients using Lumigan for glaucoma experienced significant eyelash growth as an unintended, though welcome, side effect. A clear understanding of these differences is essential to ensure appropriate and safe usage.

Intended Use and Formulation

The most fundamental distinction between Latisse and Lumigan lies in their intended use and formulation. Both are clinically proven effective for their respective FDA-approved indications.

Latisse: Cosmetic Eyelash Enhancement

Latisse is an ophthalmic solution with a higher concentration of bimatoprost, 0.03%, specifically designed for cosmetic use. It is FDA-approved to treat eyelash hypotrichosis, a condition characterized by inadequate or insufficient eyelashes.

The primary goals of Latisse treatment are to achieve:

• Longer eyelashes
• Thicker and fuller eyelashes
• Darker eyelashes

The mechanism involves prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the eyelash hair cycle. Results typically become visible within about four to eight weeks, with full effects appearing after 16 weeks of consistent nightly use. If treatment is discontinued, eyelashes will gradually return to their original appearance. As a cosmetic product, it is not covered by insurance.

Lumigan: Therapeutic Glaucoma Treatment

Lumigan is an ophthalmic solution primarily containing a lower concentration of bimatoprost, typically 0.01%. It is FDA-approved for therapeutic use to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Lowering high eye pressure is crucial for preventing permanent optic nerve damage and vision loss associated with glaucoma.

The mechanism of action for Lumigan involves increasing the outflow of aqueous humor (fluid) from the eye, which reduces the internal pressure. Because it is a medically necessary treatment, it is often covered by insurance. While eyelash growth is a known side effect, it is not the medication's intended purpose and should not be used off-label for cosmetic reasons.

Application Method

The methods for applying Latisse and Lumigan are entirely different and are not interchangeable due to their different intended uses and packaging.

Applying Latisse

• Latisse comes with sterile, single-use applicators.
• Once nightly, after removing all makeup and contact lenses, one drop is placed onto the applicator.
• The solution is then carefully brushed along the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes.
• Excess solution is blotted to prevent unwanted hair growth elsewhere.
• The applicator is discarded after each use.

Applying Lumigan

• Lumigan is administered as a traditional eye drop, typically once daily in the evening.
• The patient tilts their head back and places a single drop into the affected eye(s).
• Contact lenses must be removed prior to application and can be reinserted 15 minutes later.
• The tip of the dropper must not touch the eye or any other surface to prevent contamination.

Side Effects and Safety Profile

While both medications share potential side effects due to the active ingredient, their differing concentrations and application methods lead to slightly different safety profiles.

Side Effects of Latisse

• Eye Itchiness (Pruritus): A common side effect localized to the area of application.
• Conjunctival Hyperemia: Eye redness can occur.
• Eyelid Skin Darkening (Hyperpigmentation): This is a reversible side effect that can occur where the product is applied.
• Unwanted Hair Growth: Hair can grow in areas where the solution consistently makes contact with the skin, which is why blotting excess liquid is crucial.
• Permanent Iris Darkening: A rare but irreversible side effect, particularly in people with lighter eyes.

Side Effects of Lumigan

• Conjunctival Hyperemia: The most common adverse effect, often described as mild eye redness.
• Eyelash Changes: The growth of longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes is a known side effect.
• Iris Pigmentation Changes: A gradual, permanent increase in brown pigmentation of the iris is a risk, particularly with higher concentrations or long-term use.
• Ocular Irritation: Dryness or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye can occur.

Why They Are Not Interchangeable

Despite the similar active ingredient, physicians and ophthalmologists stress that Latisse and Lumigan should not be interchanged. The primary reasons include:

• Concentration: Latisse's higher bimatoprost concentration (0.03% vs. 0.01%) is optimized for eyelash growth, whereas Lumigan's lower concentration is typically preferred for reducing intraocular pressure with a more favorable ocular safety profile.
• Sterility and Contamination: The Lumigan bottle is designed for eye drop instillation, while Latisse's applicators are specifically for topical application to the lash line. Using a Lumigan dropper for topical application increases the risk of contamination and eye infection.
• Side Effect Risk: Using Lumigan for cosmetic purposes carries a higher risk of side effects like permanent iris darkening due to direct instillation into the eye.

Comparison Table: Latisse vs. Lumigan

Feature	Latisse	Lumigan
Primary Purpose	To treat inadequate eyelashes (hypotrichosis) for cosmetic enhancement.	To lower high intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients.
Bimatoprost Concentration	0.03%.	0.01%.
Application Method	Topical application to the upper eyelash line using a sterile, single-use brush applicator.	Eye drop applied directly into the eye.
Frequency of Use	Once nightly.	Once daily, typically in the evening.
FDA Approval	Approved specifically for cosmetic eyelash growth.	Approved specifically for lowering IOP.
Insurance Coverage	Generally not covered, as it is a cosmetic treatment.	Often covered, as it is a medically necessary treatment.
Key Side Effects	Itchy eyes, eye redness, eyelid skin darkening, unwanted hair growth outside application area, potential iris darkening.	Eye redness (hyperemia), eyelash growth, eye itching, potential permanent iris darkening.
Effect Reversibility	Eyelash growth reverses if treatment stops.	Iris darkening is likely permanent, other side effects may reverse.

Conclusion

While Latisse and Lumigan share the active ingredient bimatoprost, they are distinct medications with different purposes, formulations, and application methods. Latisse is a higher-concentration solution topically applied for cosmetic eyelash enhancement, whereas Lumigan is a lower-concentration eye drop for managing the medical condition of high intraocular pressure. Using them interchangeably is not recommended due to safety concerns and differing intended outcomes. Patients should always consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment for their specific needs.

For more information on the risks and proper usage, please refer to the official prescribing information on the FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Lumigan eye drops on my eyelashes to make them grow?

No, it is not recommended to use Lumigan for cosmetic eyelash growth. Although eyelash growth is a known side effect, using Lumigan off-label in this way is potentially unsafe due to the risk of permanent iris color change, and it lacks the specific application tools and FDA approval for this purpose.

Does Latisse work for eyelash growth?

Yes, Latisse (bimatoprost 0.03%) is the first and only FDA-approved treatment specifically for eyelash hypotrichosis, or inadequate lashes. Clinical trials have shown that it effectively makes eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker with consistent use over several months.

What are the most common side effects of Latisse?

Common side effects of Latisse include eye redness (conjunctival hyperemia), itchy eyes, and darkening of the eyelid skin where the medication is applied. Unwanted hair growth can also occur if the solution consistently touches other areas of the skin.

Is the iris color change from Latisse or Lumigan permanent?

Yes, the darkening of the iris (the colored part of the eye) that can occur from bimatoprost exposure is likely to be permanent, even after discontinuing the medication. This is a rare but serious side effect.

Why is Latisse more expensive and not covered by insurance?

Latisse is typically more expensive and not covered by insurance because it is considered a cosmetic treatment rather than a medically necessary one. Lumigan, as a glaucoma treatment, is more likely to be covered.

How should I apply Latisse versus Lumigan?

Latisse is applied once nightly using a sterile applicator brush to the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes, while Lumigan is applied as a single eye drop directly into the eye once daily.

Are generic versions of Latisse and Lumigan available?

Generic versions of bimatoprost are available, though specifics may vary by strength. For example, generic bimatoprost is available for both glaucoma treatment and eyelash growth, but only the 0.03% concentration with applicators is FDA-approved for cosmetic use.