This article describes possible side effects of Latisse. Talk with your doctor to learn more about Latisse, including what to expect before and after the treatment and how to prevent side effects. You can also view this article.
Latisse is a brand-name medication that comes as a topical liquid solution. It’s available in a generic version called bimatoprost. This article describes possible side effects of Latisse.
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More common side effects of Latisse
Latisse may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of Latisse include:
- dry eyes
- eye redness
- eye itchiness or irritation
- redness of the eyelids
- darkening of the skin around the eyes
Mild side effects of Latisse
Latisse may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of Latisse that occurred in studies include:
- dry eyes
- eye redness
- eye itchiness or irritation
- redness of the eyelids
- darkening of the skin around the eyes
- feeling like there’s something in the eyes
- hair growth around the eyes*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Latisse in detail” section below.
Latisse may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
Serious side effects of Latisse
Latisse may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Latisse, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Latisse.
Serious side effects of Latisse that occurred in studies include:
- bacterial eye infection
- intraocular inflammation (swelling of the middle layer of the eye)
- macular edema (fluid buildup in the part of the eye that processes what you see straight ahead)
- darkening of the colored part of the eye*
- contact lens discoloration*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Latisse in detail” section below.
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Get free cardAllergic reaction
For some people, Latisse can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious. You can learn more about possible symptoms in this article.
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Latisse, your doctor may recommend using a different medication instead.
Common questions about side effects of Latisse
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Latisse. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Latisse cause sunken eyes as a side effect?
No, sunken eyes aren’t an expected side effect of Latisse. It wasn’t reported in studies of the medication. But Latisse can commonly cause discoloration or darkening of the skin around the eyes. This may make them appear sunken. For more details about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Latisse in detail” section below.
Skin darkening on the eyelids or around the eyes is likely to continue as long as you use Latisse. But it may go away once you stop using it.
If you have concerns about your eyes looking sunken, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest ways to manage it.
What are the long-term side effects of Latisse?
In some cases, Latisse may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or last for a while after you’ve stopped using the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with Latisse include:
- darkening of the skin around the eyes
- darkening of the colored part of the eye*
- hair growth around the eyes*
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of Latisse may last.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Latisse in detail” section below.
Are Latisse side effects permanent?
Yes, some side effects of Latisse may be permanent. This includes darkening of the colored part of the eye. In some cases, darkening of the skin around the eyes may also be permanent. But most of the time, it’s reversible once you stop using Latisse. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Latisse in detail” section below.
Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about the permanent side effects of Latisse.
Do the side effects of Latisse affect blue eyes?
Yes. If you have blue eyes, Latisse could make them darker. Latisse can cause darkening of the colored part of the eye as a side effect. So, if you have blue eyes, using Latisse may make the darkening more noticeable. This side effect can be permanent. For more details about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Latisse in detail” section below.
Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about Latisse and blue eyes.
Side effects of Latisse in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Latisse.
Darkening of the colored part of the eye
Darkening of the iris (colored part of the eye) was reported in people using Latisse. This side effect may be serious because it can be permanent.
The darkening occurs because your irises make more melanin with Latisse treatment. Melanin is a pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes. The more melanin you have, the darker these tissues will be. With Latisse, you may not see the effect of more melanin right away. It may develop after several months or years of treatment.
This side effect may be more noticeable in people with light irises, including those with blue eyes. But it’s safe to continue to use Latisse if color changes occur.
Ways to manage
If you have concerns about the darkening of the colored part of your eye, tell your doctor. They may recommend a different treatment.
Hair growth around the eyes
Hair around the eyes was reported in people using Latisse. This side effect is usually mild.
Just like Latisse helps eyelashes grow, it can also cause the hair around other places to grow when it comes in contact with skin. If you have repeated skin contact with Latisse over time, it can cause hair to grow and become more noticeable.
Ways to manage
To help prevent hair growth around the eyes, only apply Latisse to the base of the upper eyelashes with the applicator. Avoid getting Latisse on the eyelids or letting it run down your cheeks or other areas. Carefully blot any excess Latisse off from your skin.
If you have concerns about hair growth around the eyes, talk with your doctor.
Contact lens discoloration
Contact lens discoloration was reported in people using Latisse. This side effect is usually mild.
Latisse contains a preservative called benzalkonium chloride (BAK). It’s a common ingredient in eye care products. But it can cause problems for people who wear soft contact lenses. These lenses may absorb BAK, which can cause them to discolor.
Ways to manage
To help prevent contact lens discoloration, remove your contact lenses before applying Latisse. You can put them back on after 15 minutes.
If you have concerns about contact lens discoloration, talk with your doctor.
Warnings for Latisse
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before using Latisse.
Warnings
It may not be safe for you to take Latisse if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Latisse is a safe treatment option for you.
Before using Latisse, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take, including eye drops. Things to consider include:
- glaucoma
- inflammation inside your eye
- problems with the lens of your eye
- past allergic reaction to Latisse
Latisse and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Latisse should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Latisse and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Latisse should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.
Latisse and alcohol
Latisse is not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Latisse.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.