Hello Gorgeous: Move Over Botox, Latisse Is Here!
Allergan, the drug maker that brought us Botox is at it again! The company has a new FDA-approved drug called Latisse that can be used to grow longer, lusher eyelashes. It will be available by prescription at the end of this month.
Latisse contains the same prostaglandin analog that is found in Allergan’s Lumigan, an eye drop treatment for glaucoma. A side effect of the analog is to make the eyelashes of many patients who use the eye drops longer and fuller. Other side effects can include red, itchy eyes and changes in eyelid pigmentation.
Allergan conducted a 16 week clinical trial with about 280 volunteers to assess the safety and efficacy of Latisse. In the study, half of the participants used Latisse daily for 16 weeks. Study results showed that the eyelashes of patients treated with Latisse typically grew 25 percent longer, 106 percent thicker and 18 percent darker. While 3.6 percent of patients experienced eye itching and red eyes, none exhibited a change of eye color. These results were reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration, which approved the drug in late December, 2008.
While some medical experts are concerned about these Latisse’s side effects, the financial upside for the drug is considered by some analysts to be substantial. At present, the annual size of the worldwide mascara market is about $5 billion. Allergan expects sales of Latisse to eventually rival those of Botox —Allergan’s other FDA-approved drug used for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Sales for cosmetic use of Botox were $600 million in 2007.
Longer, lusher lashes will come at a price for the people who chose to get a prescription for Latisse. Unlike mascara which is relatively inexpensive (so I am told), a monthly dose of Latisse will cost $120. However, according to my wife, longer, lusher lashes are the equivalent of the Holy Grail for most women. When I mentioned the Latisse’s monthly cost, she said quickly replied “I don’t care. I would still do it”—this from a woman who rarely wears any make up. Although my wife doesn’t constitute a valid statistical sample size, her responses suggests that Latisse just might be the biggest thing to hit cosmetic medicine market since well—uh— Botox!
Until next time…..
Good Luck and Good Job Hunting (try Allergan, they are hiring!)
And here's where they might not be hiring: Athena Cosmetics, makers of Revitalash.
I am a plastic surgeon in Ventura, California, where another eyelash enhancer Revitalash was born. Revitalash was developed by a Ventura ophthalmologist, who used (allegedly illegally) a glaucoma drug (bimatoprost, marketed as "Lumigan") as the active ingredient. The results have been incredible--longer, thicker, darker eyelashes in at least 80% of users.
Unfortunately, my local colleague has been forced to discontinue the use of bimatoprost in Revitalash, because the patent is held by the Allergan Corporation. Allergan has dluted their own drug bimatoprost/Lumigan to create Latisse. So, I suspect that if patients already like Revitalash, they will like Latisse.
Even though Revitalash contained a regulated drug, the product was actually sold in just about every hair salon in my county. The public surely appreciated this convenience, but I am not certain whether public safety was served. The marketing and dispensation of Latisse by physicians is certainly more conservative and probably more safe.
By the way, Revitalash (and other products such as Marini Lash) will still be sold at the local salons. However, they now have new formulations--without bimatoprost. Hence, the new stuff will no longer work. If patients want efficacy, they'll have to switch to Latisse from a doctor.
Oh, and I almost forgot, a few friends did try the old Revitalash (containing bimatoprost) on their scalps, and the results were promising. I think that the hair follicles did appear thicker. I don't want to stake my reputation on bimatoprost as the latest and greatest hair tonic, but it's certainly worth serious study.
So, yes, Allergan will probably be a great place to work. Not only does Allergan make great drugs like Botox and great products such as breast implants and gastric bands, but Allergan also has the potential to create a very lucrative line of hair growth products.
I'd like to know if I stop using this Latisse does that mean my eyelashes stop growing? Or do I have to continue using this product? It is costly? Please reply to Sandy Bauman at www.savoy1959@aol.com. I'd appreciate it.
A average cost per bottle is about $120 but after initial 16 weeks, you can reduce to 2-3 drops a week to maintain it and there are about 80 drops in a bottle.
Sandy,
I think you should try first Lilash or one of the other top eyelashes growth products. You should always compare first (cost, results,...)