Produced by Allergen (the same company who manufactures Botox), the prescription is used to treat hypotrichosis, a technical term for having too few eyelashes.

As was reported by users of Latisse and by FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, there’s a possibility of allergic reactions to certain ingredients in the product. 

Though most of the side effects are reversible once the use of the product is discontinued, it is a cause for concern among several customers.

Latisse Side Effects

• Eye Irritation: Because Latisse stimulates many of the nerves and vessels in the eye area, it is possible that the medication causes your body to react through red, itchy, or mild stinging of the eyelids. Doctor John P. Cunha states that the irritation is likely temporary. However, if the irritation persists or causes very sharp pain, you should stop taking the drops right away. Along with hives, difficulty breathing, and trouble seeing, sharp irritation can be a sign of an allergic reaction. If you suspect this to be the case, call your doctor right away.
• Swelling: Puffy eyelids and swollen regions beside the eye can also occur. This usually happens when the patient is first taking Latisse, as the body is trying to grow accustomed to the medication. If there is discharge or oozing, your eye fluids may be imbalanced or rejecting the medication.
• Extra Hair Growth: The chemicals in Latisse target hair producing factors to grow eyelashes longer and fuller. When the drops miss the intended area, or make their way to the surrounding eye structures, it may cause unintended hair growth on places besides the eyelashes. Carefully applying the drops is your best defense against this occurring.
• Dry/Watery Eyes: Since Latisse is also used to treat glaucoma, the strong medicine may interact with tear production, either overstimulating it or causing it to underperform. Liz Serge of AllAboutVision suggests talking to an ophthalmologist beforehand regarding your current tear production and how any pre-existing conditions like dry eye may be worsened by using Latisse.

For our full research about Latisse side effects - read this article

How does Latisse Work?

Bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Latisse, is what makes eyelashes grow longer and thicker. The exact mechanism of how it works is currently unknown. But according to the product’s official website, Latisse is believed to affect the anagen phase of the eyelash hair cycle.

Anagen phase is the stage when the hair follicle is active, resulting in hair growth. The length of anagen phase varies from person to person. People with longer anagen phases can grow their hair longer, while people with shorter anagen cycle cannot. It is believed that bimatoprost extends the length of the eyelashes’ anagen phase, resulting in longer and thicker lashes.

Latisse Cost

Latisse comes with a whopping price tag at $120 per kit. But this kit already includes 1 bottle of Latisse solution and 30 pairs of applicators. If applied correctly, one set can last about 6-8 weeks. The price may also vary in other pharmacies, and some doctors offer discounts for bulk purchases. Ask your doctor whether she or he offers any additional discounts. There are also local events or programs that offer special promotions and discounts, so be sure to check them out.

Where to buy Latisse

Latisse is not a cosmetic product. It’s considered a drug, and currently only available by prescription from a doctor unlike serums such as Rodan and Fields Lash Boost.

Just keep in mind that not all doctors may be familiar with Latisse. However, most eye doctors, dermatologists, and cosmetic surgeons are aware about the product.

Verdict

Latisse replete with all the necessary ingredients to be the best possible eyelash growth product falls short in few key areas:

• the list of potential side effects,

• the strict regulations for its usage,

• the mandatory prescription for its purchase,

• and the slow countdown to see expected results makes one wonder if its worth going through the hassle to find out whether the product works while there are better options available.

What's better than Latisse?

The most popular consumer choice in 2019 is Bioluma.

With a combination of proven ingredients, superb customer service and a 60-day money-back guarantee, Bioluma is making big waves in the eyelash growth world.

Find out why thousands of people are choosing Bioluma to achieve their eyelash growth goals, and why it's also the editor's top selection.

Read the Bioluma review here.

​

In general, Latisse is safe to use. It's approved by FDA for growing eyelashes and has been studied for safety and efficacy. However, it contains ingredients that some people may be allergic to, such as bimatoprost. If you are allergic to this ingredient, it is strictly advisable not to use this product.

Latisse’ manufacturer, Allergan, is aware of this issue and even admits that using Latisse may cause “itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness”. In fact, it has been reported in their clinical study, but only 4% of their patients got affected. According to the official Latisse website, the adverse events so far that they have seen in some of their patients are itchy eyes and eye redness. Furthermore, the site also states that using Latisse “may cause increased brown iris pigmentation of the colored part of the eye which is likely to be permanent.”

Some common side effects of Latisse include the following:

#1 Case - Cynthia O’Connor (by The NY Times)

Image source: The New York Times

Cynthia O’Connor, an interior designer from Minneapolis tried this product in the hope of getting good eyelash growth, but end up developing plum-colored circle around her eyes instead. “It looked like I hadn’t slept in a month. It was horrible.” O’Connor said to The NY Times. A few weeks after, she stopped using the product, but the discoloration still remains visible.

O’Connor told the NY Times that she got the Latisse from her facialist, who did not ask about her medical history or even mention any risk. Now, she’s hoping that her story will serve as a warning to all patients who are considering Latisse without prescription.

#2 Case - Claire Danes (by Huffpost)

Claire on December 4 (left) and back in 2007 (right). Image source: HuffPost.com

Even actress Claire Danes, one of the product’s spokespersons, also suffered one of its side effects. “When I first started using Latisse, I did actually have a side effect. The skin around my eyes [was] a little bit red. That lasted for about a week. Since then, no, I haven’t had any side effects.”

#3 Case - Alexandra E. (by RealSelf)

Alexandra from Las Vegas said on realself.com that she purchased Latisse on the recommendation of a spa consultant. But the next day after using the product, she noticed her eyes red, swollen, and itchy.

#4 Case - Ms. Even (by RealSelf)

Another realself.com user, Even from Nebraska, said that the product was very effective in terms of growing eyelashes, but got some unwanted side effects. “I definitely love my new lashes and have eyebrows now. Just disappointed in the dark circles I get that concealer doesn’t hide.”

#5 Case - Katie Hill 

Blogger and beauty junkie, Katie Hill also made a video review about Latisse where she talked about the pros and cons of the product. In her video, Katie shared how the product made her eyelashes grow longer and fuller.

However, she also cautioned everyone who wants to try Latisse as this product can cause side effects.

Some of the side effects she mentioned include eye irritation, eye redness, eye dryness, and eye discoloration; and just like any other women using Latisse, Katie also personally experienced some of those. Watch how she managed to handle those complications, as well as get some tips on how to use the product more efficiently.

What your physician should know

To make sure that this product is safe for you, you should consult a certified physician and inform him/her if you have the following:

It’s also highly advisable to inform your physician if you are pregnant, have plans to get pregnant, or currently breastfeeding. Also, tell your physician if you are currently on a medication. Although there hasn’t been any study done yet to confirm the safety of this product in these conditions, it’s best to tell your doctor about them so he or she can weigh the benefits and risks of the eyelash growth medication for you.

If you are already using or are prescribed to use Latisse for growing your eyelashes, be very careful about using the product. Using Latisse improperly can also cause side effects, which are likely to be permanent.

How To Properly Use Latisse

Follow all the directions listed on the prescription label. Read carefully all the patient information and instruction guides provided by your physician. If you have any questions, consult your physician or pharmacist.

Use Latisse once daily in the evening or as prescribed by your physician. Do not use more than the amount recommended. If you forget one night, do not apply double the treatment the next night. Using more will only trigger side effects and will not make the product to work any faster.

To apply, make sure your face and hands are clean first. Remove any makeup or contact lenses, if there’s any. Take one of the applicators included in the kit and place a drop of the medication. Carefully apply it to the skin of your upper eyelid at the base of your eyelashes.

After applying the medication, throw away the applicator. Repeat the same procedure for the other upper eyelid with a new applicator.

Do NOT use the same applicator on both eyes. A contaminated applicator can lead to serious eye problems.

Also, do NOT apply on the lower eyelids. You can put back your contact lenses 15 minutes after applying this medication. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use and store safely at room temperature.

Our Conclusion

For full results, it’s recommended to use this product regularly. But it may take 2-4 months to see improvements. However, the effects are not permanent. Eyelash improvements remain as long as you use this product, but once you stop, expect your lashes to return to its original state.

If you develop any eye infection or irritation after using the product, consult your physician immediately.

​What's a Better Alternative to Latisse?

The most popular consumer choice in 2019 is Idol Lash.

With a combination of proven ingredients, superb customer service and a 90-day money-back guarantee, Idol Lash is making big waves in the eyelash growth world.

Find out why thousands of people are choosing Idol Lash to achieve their eyelash growth goals, and why it's also the editor's top selection.

Read the Idol Lash review here.

​

Here is a little story that we received from Page about facing the problem of choice when it comes to eyelash growth products. We are keeping in touch with Page and getting ready to update this post on the 2nd week of january 2017, so stay tuned.

I’m posting in part to make sure these reviews are real and not sponsored by Idol Lash. I’ve had extensions for about two years, but I’ve grown tired of the expense and time. Plus, they get kind of ridiculous looking and battered at a point in the cycle, and I’m often too busy to get in soon enough to fix them. They irritate my eyes, and my natural lashes are shorter.

Still, I don’t like short lashes or mascara. Mascara is such a mess. It’s not that great, and it gets underneath my eyes. It doesn’t hold in the pool, and it’s a pain to take off.

So my esthetician said that Latisse really is not going to turn my eyes brown, and I decided to take the plunge. It’s actually cheaper than maintaining extensions. It’s less of a hassle, and I don’t have to worry about the pool, etc.

I came here wondering how long before it took effect, and, now, I feel disheartened. I do think I’ve been getting irritation and redness after just four weeks. I don’t want dark spots, brown eyes, crazy lashes, or patchy lashes.

Still, even after reading the reviews, I was not fully convinced. After all, there are some positive reviews here, and they seem to indicate that following all of the various instructions can forestall a lot of problems. And of course, it’s the disgruntled people who are more likely to complain. Plus, what else would I do.

So I investigated some more. First, I started with alternatives. I read the IdolLash reviews here. They were so positive that I started wondering whether IdolLash sponsored those reviews. So I investigated more and found more positive IdolLash reviews elsewhere. Supposedly, it’s all natural and does not irritate or discolor the lids or eyes. Supposedly, it actually does work too. They have done clinical trials.

I went to the Idol Lash site, and, apparently, there really are clinical trials. They do not mention much in the way of side-effects, which I am pretty sure that they are required to do, but perhaps not since it is a cosmetic product rather than a medical product.

Then, I went to the Latisse site. I have read Latisse reviews before on a cosmetic surgeon site. The docs all downplay the side effects and say that it’s just a small number, etc. But. . . I kind of think that a lot of these cosmetic docs are quackish. Most of what they do has side effects, and they don’t make money on people who don’t use their products. (Don’t get me started on my own problems with Botox and my stance on breast implants after having a related surgery from cancer, getting to know a lot of reconstructed cancer survivors, talking with my physical therapist, and rehabbing survivors as a Pilates Instructor.) In any case, regarding Latisse, how can they ignore all of the complaints?

On the Latisse website itself, I am not reassured. Most of the complaints here are repeated as side effects here. Moreover, the clinical trial details really are concerning since it only covered 278 people for sixteen weeks. In contrast, a lot of the complaints on this site are post sixteen weeks.

I am very concerned about the darkening. I already fight darkening. I am also concerned about swelling. I have had problems with another of Allergan’s products, Botox. It gives me puffiness, swelling, and a heavy brow line. The stupid med spa is not very accommodating either.

So I have made a decision. I am switching to Idol Lash.

A tiny part of me is still skeptical. So I read the disclosure on this site. The authors get a commission if you click on a link. But apparently, they get a commission for any link.

We’ll see if this review shows up. In the meantime, I have a cheap lash strip that I bought at Ulta. I’ll try Idol Lash, and use the lash strip, which is actually kind of pretty, natural looking, and not so hard to apply once you get the hang of it. If Idol Lash does not work or causes me problems, I’ll probably go back to the lash strip and/or extensions and wait to see whether Latisse gets pulled from the market or sued by you all in a class action.

I do think those of you interested in a class action should talk to a reputable malpractice lawyer to see whether you have a good claim. It’s only fair, and you will be acting as watch dogs for the public.

Good luck and blessings to you all.