Woman's Health - Latisse (Brand name: bimat)

Common use

As a synthetic analog of prostaglandin with ocular hypotensive activity, Bimat decreases intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor. Bimat may increase the percent and duration of hairs in the growth phase, resulting in eyelash growth.

Dosage and direction

Remove make-up and contact lenses prior to application; ensure face is clean. Apply with the sterile applicator provided only; do not use other brushes or applicators. Use a tissue or cloth to blot any excess solution on the outside of the upper eyelid margin; do not apply to lower eyelash line. Do not reuse applicators; use new applicator for second eye. Applying more than once nightly will not increase eyelash growth; eyelash growth is expected to return to baseline when therapy is discontinued. May reinsert contacts 15 minutes after application.

May be used with other eye drops to lower intraocular pressure. If using more than one ophthalmic product, wait at least 5 minutes in between application of each medication. Remove contact lenses prior to administration and wait 15 minutes before reinserting.

Missed Dosage:

In case you miss a dose, use it as soon as you notice. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your dosing schedule. Do not use extra dose to make up for a missed dose. If you are regularly missing doses, consider setting an alarm or asking a family member to remind you. Please consult your doctor to discuss changes in your dosing schedule or a new schedule to make up for missed doses, if you have missed too many doses recently.

Overdose

Do not use more than prescribed dose. Taking more medication will not improve your symptoms; rather they may cause poisoning or serious side-effects. If you suspect that you or anyone else who may have overdosed of Bimat, please go to the emergency department of the closest hospital or nursing home.

Precautions

Before using this drug, inform your doctor about your current list of medications, over the counter products (e.g. vitamins, herbal supplements, etc.), allergies, pre-existing diseases, and current health conditions (e.g. pregnancy, upcoming surgery, etc.). Some health conditions may make you more susceptible to the side-effects of the drug. Take as directed by your doctor or follow the direction printed on the product insert. Dosage is based on your condition. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. Important counseling points are listed below.
Aphakic patients
Do not touch the dropper to any surface
Drops not to be used at the same time as contact lenses
Eye color may change
Pre-existing eye inflammation
Remove contact lenses before using this medication; they can be put in 15 minutes after the medication is applied

Contraindications

If you use other drugs or over the counter products at the same time, the effects of Bimat may change. This may increase your risk for side-effects or cause your drug not to work properly. Tell your doctor about all the drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are using, so that you doctor can help you prevent or manage drug interactions.

Hypersensitivity to Bimat is a contraindication. In addition, Bimat should not be used if you have the following conditions: 
Abnormal liver function tests
Absent eye lens
Hypersensitivity
Inflammation of the iris
Inflammation of the uvea of the eye
Macular swelling and degeneration of the eye

Possible side effects

The following is a list of possible side-effects that may occur from all constituting ingredients of Bimat. This is not a comprehensive list. These side-effects are possible, but do not always occur. Some of the side-effects may be rare but serious. Consult your doctor if you observe any of the following side-effects, especially if they do not go away. 
Conjunctival hyperemia
Eyelash growth
Itchy or burning eyes
Visual disturbance
Pigmentation of the periocular skin
Eyelash or iris darkening
If you notice other side-effects not listed above, contact your doctor for medical advice.

Drug interactions

Bimat may interact with the following drugs and products: 
Latanoprost

Storage 

Store medicines at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze medicines unless required by package insert. Keep medicines away from children and pets.