Bimatoprost is a medicine that is usually prescribed to treat high pressure in the eye (glaucoma). It has the unexpected side effect of making your eyelashes grow longer, darker and thicker. This can be a desirable feature in some people but in others it may not be. The eye drops are used once a day at night and are applied to the base of the upper eyelid just above the lashes. One drop is applied to each eye using the applicator brushes supplied with the product.
The clinical trials conducted with bimatoprost uk showed that it is safe and well tolerated when used as directed. The drug is approved in the US for use by patients with idiopathic hypotrichosis and in other countries for use on a condition called glaucoma. It is available in the UK under the brand name Lumigan. The most common side effects of the drug are itchy eyes, watering of the eyes and redness of the eyelid. These side effects are usually mild and should go away as your body gets used to the medication. If the symptoms are severe, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Some medicines do not mix well with bimatoprost, such as anticholinergics (such as atropine). These can increase the pressure in your eye. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are taking any herbal medicines or supplements. This includes vitamins and minerals. There is not enough information to know if this medicine is harmful to an unborn baby.
Bimatoprost works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring compound called a prostaglandin. Prostaglandins are chemicals that occur in many parts of your body, including the eye. They work by increasing the drainage of fluid out of the eyeball, which decreases the pressure within it. The effect is temporary and the eyelashes will return to their normal appearance once treatment has stopped. It is important to use the drops as directed. They should not be swallowed. Keeping the bottle or single-dose droppers sealed after each use will help to prevent contamination by germs. You should also ensure that you use the bimatoprost drops before the expiry date printed on the label and within 30 days of opening. Using them after this time can lead to infections or the drops not working so well. bimatoprost uk