If you want longer lashes, you've probably noticed no shortage of serums, oils, and treatments promising results. Most are cosmetic products with limited clinical evidence. Bimatoprost (generic Latisse®) is the only FDA-approved prescription serum clinically proven to grow longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. This guide covers how it works, what to expect, potential side effects, and how to use it safely.

Why is bimatoprost (generic Latisse) prescribed for eyelash growth?

Topical bimatoprost is used to treat hypotrichosis (less than the normal amount of hair) of the eyelashes by promoting the growth of longer, thicker and darker lashes.¹

How does bimatoprost (generic Latisse) work for eyelash growth?

Topical bimatoprost is in a class of medications called prostaglandin analogs. It works by increasing the number and size of eyelash hairs, so they grow thicker, darker and longer.²

How do you use bimatoprost (generic Latisse)?

Topical bimatoprost comes as a solution (liquid) to apply to the upper eyelids. It is usually applied once a day in the evening. Use topical bimatoprost at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Using topical bimatoprost more often than once a day will not increase eyelash growth more than the recommended use.³

How do you apply bimatoprost (generic Latisse) lash serum?

Topical bimatoprost comes with sterile applicators to apply the medication. Do not reuse applicators and do not use a cotton swab or any other brush or applicator to apply topical bimatoprost.

To use the solution, follow these steps:

• Make sure your face is clean and remove your makeup and contact lenses before using this medicine.

• Always wash your hands before and after using this medicine.

• Place one drop of the solution on the disposable sterile applicator and apply it evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes.

• Remove any excess solution around the eyes with a tissue or any absorbent cloth.

• Repeat for the other upper eyelid margin using a new applicator.

• Do not apply this medicine on the lower eyelashes.

• Dispose of the applicator after each use.⁴

Learn more about how to apply bimatoprost with our step-by-step application guide.

Can you apply bimatoprost (generic Latisse) to the lower lash line?

Do not apply topical bimatoprost to the lower eyelids or to broken or irritated skin on your upper eyelids. If topical bimatoprost gets into your eye(s) while you are applying the solution, it is not expected to cause harm. Do not rinse your eye(s).⁵

When should bimatoprost (generic Latisse) be applied?

It is usually applied once a day in the evening. Use topical bimatoprost at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.⁶

How long does it take to see results from bimatoprost (generic Latisse) lash serum?

It may take at least four weeks before you see any benefit from topical bimatoprost and up to 16 weeks to see the full effect of the medication. Continue to use topical bimatoprost even if you have already seen an effect. Topical bimatoprost will only increase eyelash growth while you are using the medication.⁷

What happens when you stop using bimatoprost (generic Latisse) lash serum?

If you stop using topical bimatoprost, your eyelashes will return to their original appearance within several weeks to months.⁸

Can bimatoprost cause hair to grow on your eyelid?

It is possible for hair growth to occur on other areas of your skin with repeated applications of topical bimatoprost. Be careful to blot any excess solution outside the upper eyelid margin with a tissue or other absorbent material to prevent this from happening.⁹

Does bimatoprost (generic Latisse) also work for eyebrows?

There is evidence bimatoprost may work for eyebrows, but it has only been approved by the FDA for treatment on eyelashes. If you are interested in using it for eyebrow growth, discuss it with your healthcare provider first.¹⁰

Is bimatoprost (generic Latisse) available over the counter, without a prescription?

In the U.S., bimatoprost is available by prescription only and not available over the counter. While you can’t get it over the counter, you can buy it online, if prescribed, through telehealth providers like RedBox Rx. Start a free online consult to see if bimatoprost eyelash serum is right for you.

How much does bimatoprost (generic Latisse) cost?

At RedBox Rx, starting costs for bimatoprost are:

• 3 mL (five weeks): $99

• 5 mL (10 weeks): $114

• 9 mL (15 weeks): $199

Shipping is free with RedBox Rx. Start a free online consult to see if bimatoprost eyelash serum is right for you.

Will bimatoprost (generic Latisse) lash serum change my eye color?

In some users of bimatoprost, a side effect has been the iris color becoming more brown with continued use. The eyelid can become darker at the application site as well. These side effects are rare and only present with several months or years of treatment but can be permanent.¹¹

Can you use bimatoprost (generic Latisse) lash serum while pregnant?

There has not been sufficient research to determine the safety of bimatoprost during pregnancy. However, there has not been sufficient evidence linking bimatoprost to birth defects either. Talk with a medical professional to determine if bimatoprost is safe for you.¹²

Are there any medications that can’t be used with bimatoprost (generic Latisse) lash serum?

There are no known conflicting medications with bimatoprost, but it is still best to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications or eye applications you are using.¹³

Can you use bimatoprost (generic Latisse) with false eyelashes or eyelash extensions?

It is possible, but be sure to check with your healthcare provider first. If they are daily disposable lashes, apply the serum with the false lashes removed.¹⁴ Learn more in our blog Eyelash Extensions: Types, Alternatives, Safety & More.

Can you use bimatoprost (generic Latisse) with a lash lift or lash tint?

Yes, but to avoid irritation you should stop using the growth serum 24 to 48 hours prior to the lash lift and tint, and then wait another 24 to 48 hours before resuming treatment.¹⁵ Discuss the lash lift or tint with your healthcare provider if you plan to have one while using bimatoprost.

Can you use bimatoprost (generic Latisse) with contact lenses?

Yes, but remove them before you apply the serum and wait at least 15 minutes before you put them back in.¹⁶

What should I do if I forget a dose of bimatoprost (generic Latisse)?

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra solution to make up for a missed dose.¹⁷

What are the side effects of bimatoprost (generic Latisse)?

Bimatoprost may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Itchy eyes

• Dry eyes

• Burning eyes

• Eye pain or irritation

• Eye tearing

• Headaches

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor immediately:

• Sensitivity to light

• Pink eye

• Redness or swelling of the eyelid

Bimatoprost eye drops may change the color of your eye (to brown) and darken the skin around the eye. It may also cause your eyelashes to grow longer and thicker and darken in color. These changes usually occur slowly, but they may be permanent. If you use bimatoprost in only one eye, you should know that there may be a difference between your eyes after taking bimatoprost. Call your doctor if you notice these changes.

Bimatoprost eye drops may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).¹⁸

What special precautions should I follow while using bimatoprost (generic Latisse)?

Before using topical bimatoprost:

• Be aware that you do not apply topical bimatoprost to the lower eyelids or to broken or irritated skin on your upper eyelids.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bimatoprost or any other medications.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking.

• If you are using another topical eye medication, instill it at least five minutes before or after you instill bimatoprost eye drops.

• Tell your doctor if you have inflammation (swelling) of the eye or a torn or missing lens, and if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using bimatoprost, call your doctor.

• Know that bimatoprost solution contains benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before instilling bimatoprost and put them back in 15 minutes later.

• If you have an eye injury, infection or surgery while using bimatoprost, ask your doctor if you should continue using the same eye drop container.¹⁹

What special dietary instructions should I follow while using bimatoprost (generic Latisse)?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.²⁰

What should I know about storage and disposal of bimatoprost (generic Latisse)?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program. It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children, as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location out of their sight and reach. Learn more at http://www.upandaway.org.²¹

What are other uses for bimatoprost besides lash growth?

Bimatoprost in the form of eye drops is used to treat open-angle glaucoma and ocular (eye) hypertension.²²

What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose while using bimatoprost?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.²³

What other information should I know about bimatoprost (generic Latisse)?

• Keep all appointments with your doctor.

• Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

• Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.²⁴

What are the brand names for bimatoprost?

Latisse® is the brand name for bimatoprost. See how it compares to alternative eyelash serums.

How RedBox Rx can help

We feel our best when we look our best. RedBox Rx offers FDA-approved prescription eyelash serum to help you grow fuller, darker and longer lashes. All for a fraction of the price with free shipping to your door.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• FREE telehealth consult with licensed medical provider.

• Generic Latisse starting at $11.40 per week for a 5 ml bottle.

• No membership fees.

• FSA & HSA eligible.

• Free standard shipping or expedited/overnight available.

Get started on your journey towards longer, fuller lashes with our online assessment.