Lumigan 0.01% (Bimatoprost)

Lumigan general information

What is Lumigan used for?

Lumigan eye drops 0.01% (also known as Latisse in the US) are used to lower pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of glaucoma, which is raised IOP caused by a build-up of fluid (aqueous humour) in the eye.  The increased IOP can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight, starting with peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye.  Lumigan eye drops increases the drainage of aqueous fluid out of the eye which decreases IOP and prevents loss of sight.  Lumigan eye drops are also used to treat ocular hypertension (increased IOC without occular nerve damage) to lower IOC.  Lumigan eye drops 0.01% (also known as Latisse in the US) are also used to treat hypotrichosis, which is when eyelash growth is abnormal or not sufficient to give you adequate or enough eyelashes to allow you to grow longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. 

How does Lumigan work?

Lumigan eye drops 0.01% contain bimatoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of the naturally occurring prostamide, which is a prostaglandin-like chemical that has distinct and specific actions in various tissues of the body, including potent ocular hypotensive (pressure reducing) activity.  The build-up of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually to maintain normal eye pressure.  Bimatoprost in Lumigan eye drops binds to the same receptors in the eye as prostamide and increases the flow of aqueous humour out of the eye through the spongy tissue called the trabecular network, which is the conventional drainage route for the aqueous, by reducing the tonographic (pressure-sensitive) resistance to outflow of aqueous humour.  As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma is left untreated.

What does Lumigan contain?

Lumigan eye drops 0.01% contain the active ingredient bimatoprost 0.1mg/ml, a synthetic analogue of prostamide used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma.  They also contain sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium chloride, citric acid monohydrate, purified water and the preservative benzalkonium chloride; sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust PH.

Treating glaucoma with Lumigan

Lumigan eye drops 0.01% contain bimatoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of the naturally occurring prostamide that has potent ocular hypotensive (pressure reducing) activity and is used to treat glaucoma.  The build-up of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually.  Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased production or decreased drainage from the eye increases IOP, which can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight.  Bimatoprost in Lumigan eye drops increases the flow of aqueous humour out of the eye through the spongy tissue called the trabecular network, by reducing the tonographic (pressure-sensitive) resistance to outflow of aqueous humour.  As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated. 

Growing long eyelashes with Latisse

Latisse eye drops 0.01% (also known as Lumigen) is used to treat hypotrichosis of the eye lashes, which is when eyelash growth is abnormal or not sufficient to give you adequate or enough eyelashes.  Latisse eye drops contain bimatoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of a naturally occurring chemical called prostaglandin, which is thought to be involved in hair growth and works by increasing the length of the active hair growth phase.  Latisse eye drops can help you grow eyelashes that are longer, fuller and darker than they were before. 

What are the side effects of Lumigan?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Lumigan eye drops 0.01% include: red congested eyes (conjunctival hyperaemia), growth of eyelashes, itching, irritation or inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis) and eyelid (blepharitis), sensitivity to light, an increase in colouring or pigment of area around eye, visual changes, eyelash darkening, darkening of the iris, headache, dizziness, infection (primarily colds and upper respiratory tract infections).

When should Lumigan not be used?

You should not use Lumigan if you:

• are allergic to bimatoprost or any of the ingredients in Lumigan eye drops
• are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or breast feeding
• have liver, kidney or respiratory disease
• are wearing contact lenses, you should remove your contacts and replace them after using Lumigan eye drops

How should Latisse be used for growing eyelashes?

You should use your Latisse eye drops 0.01% once nightly, by applying to the to the base of the upper eye lashes of each eye, using that applicator provided and following the instructions provided.  Do not apply to the lower lid and use only the applicator provided.  Also avoid touching other areas with Latisse eye drops, as this may result in unwanted hair growth.  Before applying your Latisse eye drops, ensure that your face is clean and makeup and contact lenses are removed.  You should begin to see results within 8 weeks with maximum eyelash growth by 12-16 weeks.  If you stop using your Latisse eye drops, your eye lashes will return to their original condition, within a few weeks or months.  If you are using Lumigan for reducing your intraocular pressure or if you have glaucoma, you should not use Latisse eye drops for eyelash growth.

How should Lumigan be used for glaucoma?

You should use your Lumigan eye drops by applying one drop into the affected eye, once daily, preferably in the evening, and following the instructions provided.  If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Lumigan eye drops and then replace them.  You should continue to use your Lumigan eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.  If you are using Lumigan for reducing your intraocular pressure or if you have glaucoma, you should not use Latisse eye drops for eyelash growth. 

Can you use Lumigan/Latisse together for glaucoma and eyelash growth?

If you are using Lumigan eye drops 0.01% or other prostaglandin analogs for reducing your intraocular pressure or if you have glaucoma, you should not use Latisse eye drops for eyelash growth, as using both together may interfere with the reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) that you need to achieve.

How long should you use Latisse?

You should use your Latisse eye drops 0.01% continually for 12-16 weeks for maximum eyelash growth and you will begin to see results within 8 weeks.  If you stop using your Latisse eye drops, your eye lashes will return to their original condition, within a few weeks or months. 

How long should you use Lumigan?

You should continue to use your Lumigan eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure only while using Lumigan eye drops but will not cure glaucoma. 

Missed dose of Lumigan

If you miss a dose of Lumigan take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Lumigan be stored?

You should store your Lumigan below 25°C in a cool dry place, and always replace the top on the bottle to prevent contamination.  Discard the bottle of Lumigan eye drops 4 weeks after opening.