Bimatoprost

Bimatoprost (sold in the U.S. and Canada by Allergan, under the trade name Lumigan) is a prostamide used topically (as eye drops) to control the progression of glaucoma and in the management of ocular hypertension. It reduces intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing the outflow of aqueous fluid from the eyes.^[1] It has also been used and prescribed off-label to lengthen eyelashes.^[2]

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Cosmetic use

In patients using ophthalmic prostaglandins such as travoprost and latanoprost, as well as prostamides like bimatoprost, it has been anecdotally noted that they have grown long and lush eyelashes. Allergan has initiated clinical trials investigating the usage of Lumigan as a cosmetic drug.^[3]

Several cosmetics companies have released products based on a prostaglandin analogs, as non-drug cosmetics.

• Age Intervention Eyelash and Age Intervention Eyelash by Jan Marini Skin Research
• RevitaLash by Athena Cosmetics Corp.
• MD Lash Factor by PhotoMedex Inc.

These companies have been sued by Allergan for patent infringment.^[3] The FDA has seized Age Intervention Eyelash as an "unapproved and misbranded drug" because Jan Marini Skin Research promoted it as something that increases eyelash growth^[4] and because it is "adulterated" with bimatoprost.^[5]

Formulations

Lumigan is a 0.03% solution of bimatoprost, and contains benzalkonium chloride as a preservative. Contact lenses should therefore be removed before use, and replaced no less than 15 minutes later;^[1] other eye drops or ointments should be given no less than 5 minutes before or after bimatoprost.^[1] It is administered once daily.

Side effects

Possible side effects of this medication are:

• May cause optic nerve damage
• May cause blurred vision;
• May cause eyelid redness;
• May permanently darken eyelashes;
• May cause eye discomfort;
• May eventually cause permanent darkening of the iris to brown (heterochromia).
• May cause a temporary burning sensation during use.
• May cause thickening of the eyelashes.

On November 19 2007 the FDA issued a warning that bimatoprost is associated with optic nerve damage. This warning was delivered by their spokesperson during the seizure of a bimatoprost-containing cosmetic.^[6] Such warnings have not been issued for the prostaglandin analog derivatives, and may be specific to bimatoprost and the prostamide family.

References

Citations

• Chen M, Cheng C, Chen Y, Chou C, Hsu W (2006). "Effects of bimatoprost 0.03% on ocular hemodynamics in normal tension glaucoma.". J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 22 (3): 188-93. PMID 16808680.
• Kruse P, Rieck P, Sherif Z, Liekfeld A (2006). "Cystoid macular edema in a pseudophakic patient after several glaucoma procedures. Is local therapy with bimatoprost the reason?". Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd 223 (6): 534-7. PMID 16804825.
• Steinhäuser S (2006). "Decreased high-density lipoprotein serum levels associated with topical bimatoprost therapy.". Optometry 77 (4): 177-9. PMID 16567279.