Bimatoprost (Generic Latisse & Lumigan)

What is generic Latisse?

Generic Latisse usually means an eyelash solution that contains bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Latisse. Latisse is a 0.03% bimatoprost solution approved by the FDA to treat hypotrichosis, meaning lashes that are too few or too sparse, by increasing their length, thickness and darkness. It is applied to the upper lash line with a sterile applicator once a night and is a prescription product in the US (Latisse prescribing information on DailyMed).

Careprost and the Generic Latisse bottles listed here contain the same active ingredient as Latisse; they are made and licensed in India. For a side-by-side look at these two, read our Careprost vs Latisse comparison.

Is Careprost the same as Latisse or Lumigan?

All three use bimatoprost, a prostaglandin-like medicine, but each is labeled for a different job. Latisse is applied to the skin of the upper eyelid to grow lashes. Lumigan is a drop placed into the eye to lower eye pressure in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension; its current US label is for a 0.01% solution, one drop in the affected eye once daily in the evening (Lumigan label on DailyMed). Careprost matches Latisse's 0.03% concentration.

Bimatoprost products in this range

Prices can change, and larger packs cost less per bottle. Shipping to the USA is a flat $30, or free on orders of $199 or more. Delivery usually takes about 6 to 15 days, and customs can add delays.

How do you choose between them?

• Careprost 3 ml: Sun Pharma's brand, with the 0.03% strength stated. Choose the plain listing if you already have sterile single-use applicators.
• Careprost 3 ml with Brush: the same bottle, listed with a brush. The Latisse label uses a fresh sterile applicator for each eye every time, so ask your pharmacist about applicator hygiene.
• Generic Latisse 3 ml or 5 ml: lower prices per bottle from other Indian makers. Check the leaflet for how long an opened bottle can be used.
• Glaucoma or high eye pressure: these products are not a do-it-yourself swap for your prescribed eye drops. If your eye doctor prescribes bimatoprost with timolol, see Careprost Plus and our glaucoma medicines. Timolol is a beta-blocker and is not suitable for some people with asthma or certain heart conditions.

More lash products are in our eyelash category.

How do you apply bimatoprost to your eyelashes?

Follow the Latisse directions and your own doctor's advice:

1. Wash your face and remove makeup and contact lenses.
2. Put one drop of solution on a clean, sterile applicator.
3. Draw it along the skin of the upper eyelid margin, right at the base of the lashes.
4. Blot any solution that runs beyond the lid margin with a tissue.
5. Use a fresh applicator for the other eye, and do not reuse applicators.
6. Do not apply it to the lower lid or into the eye. If a little gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm; do not rinse the eye.
7. Wait 15 minutes before putting contact lenses back in.

Use it once a night only. Applying it more often does not grow lashes faster. If you miss a night, do not catch up; apply it the next evening. Keep the bottle tip from touching your eye, fingers or any surface, because contaminated eye products can cause serious eye infections.

How long does generic Latisse take to work?

Results are gradual. You may need at least 4 weeks to notice a change, and the full effect can take up to 16 weeks (MedlinePlus on bimatoprost topical). The Latisse label notes that for most people the change is not significant until about 2 months. In the 16-week study described in the Latisse label, 78% of people using it improved by at least one grade in overall lash prominence, compared with 18% using the inactive solution. If you stop, your lashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months, so results last only while you keep using it.

What are the side effects?

• Itchy, red, dry or irritated eyes: among the most common effects in Latisse studies, along with redness of the eyelid skin.
• Darker eyelid skin: usually fades over weeks to months after stopping.
• Iris color change: the colored part of the eye can turn browner, and this is likely permanent. Keep the solution on the lid margin.
• Unwanted hair growth: hair can grow on skin that the solution touches repeatedly, and lashes on each eye may grow differently.
• Other eye problems: eye inflammation or swelling at the back of the eye (macular edema). Get prompt advice for blurred or reduced vision, eye pain or swelling.

Who should not use it, or should ask an eye doctor first?

• Anyone allergic to bimatoprost or another ingredient, such as the preservative benzalkonium chloride. Check your product's leaflet.
• People using prostaglandin eye drops for glaucoma or high eye pressure, such as latanoprost, travoprost or bimatoprost (Lumigan). Lash use may reduce how well these drops lower eye pressure, so tell your eye doctor and have your pressure monitored.
• People with eye inflammation such as uveitis, macular edema, or lens surgery with a torn lens capsule.
• Anyone with an eye injury, eye infection or other eye condition.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children or teenagers, unless a doctor advises it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Careprost the same as Latisse?

Careprost contains the same active ingredient as Latisse, bimatoprost 0.03%, and is made and licensed in India by Sun Pharma. Latisse is a US prescription product sold with sterile single-use applicators.

Can I put it on my lower lashes?

No. The Latisse label says to apply it only to the upper lid margin, never to the lower lash line or into the eye.

What happens if I stop using it?

Your lashes gradually return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.

Can I use it if I have glaucoma?

Only after talking to your eye doctor. Bimatoprost on the lash line may weaken the effect of prostaglandin glaucoma drops, and your eye pressure needs checking.

Will bimatoprost change my eye color?

It can make the iris browner, and this is likely permanent. Eyelid skin darkening usually fades after stopping.

This guide gives general information and does not replace advice from your doctor, eye doctor or pharmacist. Bimatoprost is a prescription medicine and should be used under a doctor's care. Stop using it and get medical advice if you develop eye pain, swelling or changes in your vision.