Jan 8, 2009 8:31 pm US/Eastern
FDA Approves Drug For Eyelash Growth
WEXFORD (KDKA) ―
In the quest for beauty, it's the little things that matter.
"Women go to great lengths to have longer eyelashes," says Dr. Suzan Obagi, a cosmetic dermatologist in Wexford.
Certain diseases and disorders can cause you to lose your eyelashes. Some people just want longer lashes. So to boost eyelash growth, the FDA has approved a medicine originally developed for glaucoma. But it's not without drawbacks.
"It always sounds very exciting, when you hear about a medication you find a new indication for," continues Dr. Obagi. "We've already been getting the phone call and the emails."
In a study of nearly 300 patients using this medicine nightly, half had increased eyelash growth at two months. It works by changing the body's inflammation hormones in the eye.
When the drug is used for glaucoma, a condition where pressure in the eye is too high, it's an eyedrop called Lumigan. For lash growth, it's a liquid called Latisse dabbed along the lash line.
"You'll get a two month supply at a time. There will be sterile applicators and you'll apply it nightly," explains Dr. Noah Eger, an optometrist in Coraopolis. "I think a patient needs to be monitored."
That's because the medicine could potentially affect the eye pressure. Plus it can't be used after cataract surgery, with certain eye conditions or during pregnancy.
"We've actually used this medication, Lumigan, on an off-label basis. For those patients who have come in and had eyelash loss, and we find that it does work," attests Dr. Eger.
It's only for upper lashes.
"If you get it along the lower eyelid line, you're going to get dark circles and we spend so much time trying to remove those dark circles," explains Dr. Obagi.
It can also cause darkening of the colored part of the eye, which is likely to be permanent. Eye redness and itchy eyes have been other side effects. And hair may grow anywhere the drug touches, so it has to be applied carefully.
The drug has only been around for glaucoma since 2001.
And looking at the patients who've been on it for a few years: "They're starting to get sunken eyes, they're starting to lose the fat around the eyes," cautions Dr. Obagi, "I think it's worth waiting a little bit."
The drug, marketed as Latisse, will cost $120 a month. Insurance does not cover it for eye lash growth. Alternatives include topical steroids along the eyelids or careful use of the baldness drug Rogaine.
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