Uses

This medication is used to treat patients with not enough or inadequate eyelashes. Bimatoprost makes the eyelashes more noticeable by causing more eyelashes to grow and making them longer, thicker, and darker. Bimatoprost is similar to a natural chemical in the body (prostaglandin).

Bimatoprost is also used to treat glaucoma. If you are already using or are directed to use bimatoprost to treat glaucoma, be careful not to get this eyelash medication into your eyes. Getting extra bimatoprost in your eyes may make it less effective for treating glaucoma. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How To Use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using bimatoprost and each time you get a refill. Learn how to properly apply this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Use this medication as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the evening.

To apply this medication, first wash your hands and face. Remove any makeup and contact lenses. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes after applying this medication. Place one drop of this medication onto the provided applicator. Then right away draw the applicator carefully across the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the bottom of the eyelashes going from the inner part of your lash line to the outer part. Blot any excess solution that is applied beyond the eyelid margin. Throw away the applicator after applying the medication. Repeat with a new applicator for the other upper eyelid. This medication is not for use on the lower eyelids.

If any medication gets into the eye, do not rinse your eye. It is not likely to cause any harm if this medication gets into the eye, because it is the same medication that is used in the eyes to treat glaucoma.

To avoid contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eyelashes or any other surface. Do not rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use, and keep the cap tightly closed.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each evening. Do not use more of this medication than recommended. Using more will not make this medication work faster. It may take up to 2 months before the full benefits of using this medication are seen.

When this medication is stopped, expect the appearance of the eyelashes to return to the way they looked before starting treatment with bimatoprost.

It is possible that the effects between your two sets of eyelashes may not be the same. There may be differences in eyelash length, thickness, fullness, color, number or direction of growth. If any of these occur, talk to your doctor.

Side Effects

Eye redness/discomfort/itching/dryness or eyelid redness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

It is possible for hair growth to happen in other areas of your skin where this medication often touches. Be sure to wipe any extra medication after applying it to the eyelash margins (see also How to Use section).

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

When the eye drop form of this medication is applied directly into the eyes to treat glaucoma, it may slowly (over months to years) cause brown discoloration of the colored portion of the eye (iris). This form of bimatoprost used to improve eyelash appearance could also have this effect. Also, this medication may cause eyelid changes or a darkening of the skin around the base of the eyelashes. After stopping use, eyelid skin darkening should go away after several weeks to months. However other side effects (such as discoloration of the iris) may be permanent. Tell your doctor if any of these side effects occur.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• eye pain
• suspected eye infection (discharge, unusual redness, swelling of eyes)
• rapid vision changes (such as loss of vision)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using bimatoprost, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to similar drugs (such as latanoprost, travoprost); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as preservatives like benzalkonium chloride), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems (such as discoloration of contact lenses). Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• eye pressure problems (such as glaucoma)
• other eye problems (such as macular edema, iritis, uveitis, lens extraction/aphakia)

If you develop a new eye condition (such as infection, eye surgery, eye injury) while using this medication, discuss with your doctor whether you should start using a new bottle.

If you are having your eye pressure tested, tell the testing personnel (such as optometrist or ophthalmologist) that you are using this medication.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• certain glaucoma eye drops (such as bimatoprost, latanoprost, travoprost)

Overdose

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.