Latisse's Side Effects Have Some Folks On The Fringe
by Julie Redfern Davis (Subscribe to Julie Redfern Davis's posts), Posted Jan 15th 2010 at 7:00AMThis is a post
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Are longer eyelashes worth the potential risks? Photo: Getty Images
In recent weeks, Consumer Reports reviewed the product (watch the video, below) and called it risky given its possible side effects. Among the most alarming: increased brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye, which is likely to be permanent.
According to Eric Schweiger, a New York City-based dermatologist who has prescribed Latisse, the active ingredient, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, is also used to treat glaucoma. The difference between the usage for eyelash growth and glaucoma, he notes, is that when treating the latter you place it directly into the eye. In some cases with direct interior eye contact, increased iris pigmentation was reported, however, with Latisse, the product is applied to the lash lines and not directly into the eye.
But with every prescription drug there are potential side effects (just read the fine print and listen carefully to commercials) and the naysayers that question its safety. So then, should we avoid Latisse completely?
Latisse, the controversial lash growth drug. Courtesy Photo
Side effects and controversy aside, Latisse does have a high price tag (an out of pocket expense of approximately $100 a month) and the results are temporary-as soon as you stop using it, your lashes revert back to normal. "You have to remember this is a cosmetic treatment, and most cosmetic procedures are not permanent," says Schweiger. "A lot of my Latisse users decrease their frequency of use after three months and change to using it every other day. This mostly maintains the results the patients have already achieved, and using it every other day literally cuts the cost in half," he adds.
A daily dose of mascara is likely to create the same full, thick eyelash effect for a fraction of the price, which has many asking if Latisse is worth it given the risks, price and temporary results.
The same question was posed when Botox was introduced, along with a glut of "wrinkle relaxing" skincare creams to compete with it. Given the demand of that procedure and many other cosmetic treatments, it seems there may be no price or risk too high when it comes to beauty.
Filed under: Beauty, News, Skin & Body
Tags: allergan, consumer reports, ConsumerReports, cosmetic surgery, cosmetics, CosmeticSurgery, Eric Schweiger, EricSchweiger, eyelashes, latisse
Tags: allergan, consumer reports, ConsumerReports, cosmetic surgery, cosmetics, CosmeticSurgery, Eric Schweiger, EricSchweiger, eyelashes, latisse
latisseuser 1-15-2010 @ 10:29AM
Latisse is a great medication - with awesome results. You must read the side effect profile carefully for an informed decision - but the risks are low.
If you are looking for a great price from an M.D. Site go to www.latisse.bz. Online history and ordering. No physical examinations are required for this product per the manufacturer.
It is the largest retailer of Latisse in the U.S. right now!
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Anne 1-22-2010 @ 9:50AM
I had thyroid cancer years ago and lost practically all of my eyelashes as one of the side effects. I have been using Latisse and it works and first the first time in 16 years I have eyelashes that are just as beautiful as what I had before the cancer. Thank you Thank you Thank you - Latisse :-)
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Di 1-22-2010 @ 11:49AM
Other than incredibly scarce lashes such as in cases of lash loss due to chemo or Alopecia Areata, I DO NOT see the NEED for Latisse. Sounds very expensive once you are done paying for the doctors visit. And I suspect women who just want longer thinker lashes will be seeking it rather than those with very scarce or nearly bald eyelids. We all want better but please if within the norm....LOVE YOURSELF and WHAT YOU WERE ALREADY BELSSED WITH....many people have birth defects, injury related mutations or imperfections outside the norm that are not so attractive and they are advised to psychologically condition themselves and be the best they can be.
Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack but never lost her faith, or her love of surfing. We hear/read stories every day that are not about someone's disability and all the things they can’t do, they are stories about what people with disabilities or imperfections can do.
MY ADVICE:
IF mascara does not do the trick...TRY false eye lashes, no side affects, no major costs, they look fabulous, models and typical women wear them all the time. I even wear them from time to time as mascara falls into my eyes on occasion and causes irritation. Plus mascara removal in an of itself has a tendency to cause lash loss.
Hope this helps ;)
Eric 1-22-2010 @ 6:36AM
I am a doctor that treat glaucoma and I have prescribed Lumigan (Lastisse) for a decade. The iris pigmentation or browning of the iris is completely harmless and has not been shown to occur yet with Latisse. This pigmentation occurs with Lumigan because it is applied directly in to the eye whereas Latisse is brushed on to the eyelashes.
Latisse can cause redness of the eyelids, burning and stinging. That's about it.
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hollyntexas 1-22-2010 @ 7:34AM
I use it, I love it.
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John S 1-22-2010 @ 7:26AM
Vanity, pure and simple. Most of the people who can afford these things, don't really need them. They are trying to match the air-brushed perfection of the media. Be satisfied with what God gave you. The old saying is true. Spending money you don't have to impress people you don't like.
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Gramma Nan 1-22-2010 @ 6:13PM
I use Latisse for medical reasons. I was prescribed it by my opthamologist because my eyelashes were brittle and breaking off, causing me great pain, and leaving me with a gaping (and embarassing) hole in my eyelashes. It has been a miracle, as far as I'm concerned. The resulting long lashes are a nice side result, but I am just so happy to be pain-free.
Be careful about judging other's motives when you don't have complete information. This treatment is costing me a lot of money (of course, insurance won't cover it), and I know I will have to use it the rest of my life.
Shanna 1-22-2010 @ 7:30AM
I LOVE Latisse!!! I am a huge fan! I have had no issues with skin pigmentation or change in iris color... Seriously, this is a product that does what it says. I highly recommend it.
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Rickki 1-22-2010 @ 8:04AM
I have been using Rapid Lash, an over-the-counter product for over a year with great results and no side effects. Costs much less than Latisse and works at least as well if not better. Latisse is expensive because the MD's make big profits on it.
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stevesmom 1-22-2010 @ 5:35PM
I'm a RapidLash user, too. I'm constantly getting compliments on my long eyelashes. I have blue eyes and they have not changed color at all. You can get it for $49 at CVS.
dabt420 1-22-2010 @ 8:10AM
I have been being treated for Glaucoma for 5 years. I do have longer ,darker eyelashes and a permanent eyeliner type ring around my eyes. My eyes were bright green when I started treatment and now they are deep brown. I knew 5 years ago some one would come up with a way to make money off this as a cosmetic treatment. Lets hope it lowers the price of my Glaucoma medicine which is over $100 also.
Be aware of what you wish for.....
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ADMR 1-22-2010 @ 8:20AM
What folks do 4 BEAUTY.....( Latisse works though, informed my Mama about It - Decent Results )
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Terry 1-22-2010 @ 8:32AM
Hey, maybe they should use "Crystal Gayles'" song for this commercial, only change it from "Don't it make my brown eyes blue", to "Don't it make my blue eyes brown"?
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camille 1-22-2010 @ 8:38AM
I've never had any lashes to speak of...my sis gave me Revitalash in July and by September I could see a considerable difference...no 'iris staining' potential either...this stuff is great
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Tonia 1-22-2010 @ 8:45AM
Brooke Shields looks horrible. She should not have had cosmetic surgery. Vain, vain, vain!!
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steve 1-22-2010 @ 9:14AM
Most men are not concerned with nor are attracted to a woman's eyelashes. Ladies, here is what I think makes you look hot; just a pair of blue jeans, a t-shirt and no makeup. Men love you just the way you are.
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Diane 1-22-2010 @ 9:20AM
I've been using RevitaLash for over 2 years. It works GREAT! You don't need a prescription and it does NOT turn your eyes or eyelids a different color. My eyelashes were thin, short and you couldn't hardly see them. Now, my eyelashes are long, thick and beautiful. They almost touch my eyebrows. AND the nice thing is, one container costs about $150 and lasts about 6 or 7 months. Once your eyelashes get to the length you want them you only apply it every other day ... hence another money saver!
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lking4trbl 1-22-2010 @ 10:01AM
I think Latisse is the biggest waste of time and money I've ever seen. What angers me more is that it took time away from real drugs trying to get through the FDA process to hit the shelves. Brooke should be embarrassed to hawk this type of product.
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mkladycarmen 1-22-2010 @ 10:05AM
Check out Rapid Lash at your local drug store - Duane Reade, Wal Mart etc. it worked for me after 4 weeks I stopped wearing fake lashes.
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Greg 1-22-2010 @ 10:14AM
Todays longer lashes will be tomorrows 'tragic Cancer rates in Women' who use stuff like this. Then it will be mens fault for demanding beauty at all costs.. Pardon my cynisim.. But ladies, forget stuff like this and just be real.. That is the way to real beauty.. Just my opinion..
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