Latisse is a prescription medication that can make your eyelashes grow thicker, longer, and darker. You can purchase it online or in person at pharmacies and authorized retailers.
Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Latisse to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes — a condition resulting in few, thin, or no eyelashes. Latisse can make your eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker.
The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost. The FDA originally approved it to treat glaucoma. However, as a common side effect was fuller eyelashes, bimatoprost was adopted by the beauty industry.
Latisse comes in a bottle with sterile brush applicators. To use, you apply it onto the skin along your upper eyelashes each night for several months.
Where do you find Latisse?
Photography by Miodrag Ignjatovic/Getty Images
You can purchase Latisse from many locations, such as:
Authorized retailers: Many authorized retailers stock Latisse — including pharmacies, plastic surgery clinics, and beauty stores with the necessary certifications to dispense prescription medications.
Online pharmacies: Prescription medications like Latisse are available to buy from online pharmacies from the comfort of your home.
Local pharmacies: Your neighborhood pharmacy may carry Latisse. Pharmacists can guide you on how to use it, potential side effects, drug interactions, and suitable alternatives.
Healthcare professionals’ offices: Dermatologists, ophthalmologists, and other healthcare professionals may stock Latisse. Plus, they can prescribe it after assessing whether it’s right for you.
Only purchase Latisse from reputable sources to make sure you receive an authentic product.
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Latisse is a prescription medication. You can’t buy it over the counter (OTC) without a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.
Which professionals have permission to prescribe medications can differ between states. Possible practitioners who can prescribe Latisse for eyelash growth include:
dermatologists
general practitioners
plastic surgeons
ophthalmologists
Before prescribing Latisse, a healthcare professional will assess whether it’s a safe and suitable option for you. They may also recommend alternatives.
Latisse is not a treatment for glaucoma.
What is the average cost of Latisse?
In the United States, the cost of Latisse varies depending on the pharmacy and location. Additionally, generic bimatoprost products are often more affordable.
Health insurance plans may not cover Latisse for cosmetic purposes, so check with your insurance provider for specific details about coverage.
Brand-name Latisse
Without discounts or insurance coverage, one 5 milliliter (mL) 0.03% bottle of topical solution can cost up to $200.
One 5 ml 0.03% bottle can cost around $135 or more.
With Optum Perks, you can purchase it for around $49.
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By suppressing an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase, these drugs limit fluid production in the eye to prevent the pressure from getting too high. These are: dorzolamide (Trusopt) and brinzolamide (Azopt).
Laser treatment
Many types of laser treatments for glaucoma target specific causes of the condition:
Iridotomy: This involves creating a small hole in the iris to promote fluid drainage.
Endocyclophotocoagulation: This procedure involves treating the ciliary body, found between the iris and a layer called the choroid, to help your eye regulate fluid production more effectively.
Micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation: This involves treating the eye’s outer wall to manage fluid production.
Surgery
As with laser treatments, surgeries treat different parts of the eyes to improve glaucoma:
Surgical iridectomy: Removes part of the iris to help fluid drain better.
Glaucoma drainage device: Involves implanting a small device to help drain excess fluid and reduce eye pressure, especially when other surgeries may not work as well.
Lens extraction: Removes the cloudy lens of the eye to improve vision.
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition. OTC products are not a substitute for prescription treatments. However, some OTC products, like eye drops, may improve symptoms such as dryness.
Eyelash growth alternatives
The following treatments may help with eyelash and eyebrow alopecia:
Some eyelash growth serums and enhancers are available without a prescription. However, their effectiveness and safety profile can vary.
Alongside prescription medications, beautician treatments like eyelash extensions can also help make your eyelashes appear thicker and longer.
Summary
Latisse can help your eyelashes grow and make them look thicker and darker.
You can purchase Latisse from authorized retailers, online pharmacies, local pharmacies, and some healthcare professionals’ offices — but you will need a prescription.
