What you need to know about this eyelash growth medication (Bimatoprost)

Many people, especially our women, love beautiful, long, and thick eyelashes, don't they? Sometimes, due to various reasons, our eyelashes fall out and become thin. So, today we are going to talk about a special medicine recommended by doctors in such cases. Although some people use this to be beautiful, this is also a medicine that should be used strictly on medical advice and has some points to be careful about.

What is this medicine called Bimatoprost?

Simply put, Bimatoprost (bi-ma-to-prost) is a medication that treats a condition where the eyelashes are too thin or too thin. It actually comes as an eye solution.

This medication works by increasing the number of eyelashes you have. Not only that, it also helps your eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker . You may have seen this medication under brand names like `(Latisse)` or `(Lumigan)`. This medication is also used to treat glaucoma (a condition where pressure in the eye increases). Therefore, it is very important to use it only under the recommendation of a doctor.

Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication

Before you use this medicine, you must inform your doctor of the following information, as using this medicine with these conditions may be risky.

• If you currently have any inflammation in your eye .
• If you have glaucoma or are being treated for it.
• If you have a condition called macular edema .
• If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine called Bimatoprost or any other medicine, food, coloring, or preservative .
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding .

Don't be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about these things. It's very important for your own safety.

How exactly do you use this?

It is very important to know how to use this correctly. If used incorrectly, it can cause unwanted side effects.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Wash your face: First, wash your face thoroughly and remove all makeup. If you wear contact lenses, remove them as well.

2. Use the applicator: You will receive a special applicator (a small brush-like device for applying the medicine) with the medicine. This is the only thing you need to use to apply the medicine.

3. One for each eye: Use one applicator per eye . That means don't use the same one for both eyes. And don't use the same applicator more than once.

4. Take medicine carefully: Do not touch the mouth of the medicine bottle or the tip of the applicator with your hands. Doing so can introduce germs.

5. How to apply the medicine: Put one drop of the medicine liquid on the applicator. Then, as if applying eyeliner around the eye, carefully apply it along the skin on the upper eyelid, where the eyelashes begin .

6. Wipe off the excess: Wipe off any excess medication that has gotten on the skin around your eyelids with a tissue or a clean cloth. This is important, as otherwise you may end up with unwanted hair growth in those areas as well.

7. Use it at the right time: Use it every day at the right time, as directed by your doctor. Don't use it too much.

8. Other eye medications: If you are using another eye medication, wait at least 5 minutes after applying this medication before applying the other medication.

Talk to your doctor about using this in children. Although this medication may be prescribed for children under 5 years of age for some selected conditions, special precautions apply.

What to do if you overdose or forget to take your medication?

If the medication is overdosed

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

If you miss a dose of medication

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Can there be problems with other medications?

Yes, it can interact with some medications. In particular, it may interact with other eye drops (such as `Latanoprost`, `Travoprost`) that you use to treat eye pressure or glaucoma.

So, when you see your doctor, give him a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements) . Also, tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to be careful about when using the medicine

Pay special attention to these points when using this medicine.

• Eyelid and eye color changes: This medication can darken the skin of your eyelids and the colored part of your eye (iris) . After you stop taking the medication, your eyelid color may return to normal within a few weeks or months. However, the change in eye color may be permanent . This is very important.
• Hair growth in other areas: If the medicine is constantly applied to other areas of the skin, hair can grow in those areas as well. This is what we said earlier about wiping off the excess medicine to prevent this.
• Differences in the eyes: Sometimes you may notice differences in the length, thickness, color, and number of eyelashes in your eyes. This usually resolves once you stop taking the medication.
• Contact Lenses: Remember to remove contact lenses before applying the medication. They can be reinserted 15 minutes after application.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. Please see the table below for more information.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other side effects, please contact your doctor for advice.

How to store the medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children . Store between 2 and 25 degrees Celsius (36 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Normal room temperature is sufficient. Throw away expired medicine.

Bimatoprost, Latisse, Lumigan, eyelash growth, eyelash growth, side effects, eye drops, eye pressure, glaucoma