Latanoprost (Xalatan)  FAQ:

WHAT IS LATANOPROST (XALATAN)  or LATISSE / LUMIGAN/ BIMATOPROST?

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is an alternative, less expensive prostaglandin analog, like Bimatoprost, also FDA approved for opthalmic use to treat glaucoma and shows similar promise to promote hair growth and thickening.  Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution is a treatment for glaucoma which was found to also grow hair. Originally Latisse was used as  a treatment for glaucoma and patients noticed their eyelashes were longer while using the medication.   Latisse, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment used to treat hypotrichosis  (inadequate or not enough eyelashes).  Latisse was unanimously approved in December of 2008, and most recently Allergan FDA Phase I safety testing was completed for Latisse used to treat Male Pattern Baldness and Phase II trials are in process.  Due to the promising results shown for scalp hair regrowth and a good safety profile in FDA Phase I testing, we  have been  prescribing Latisse or Lumigan Off-Label for male pattern baldness with great success.   Latisse and it’s  generic bimatoprost are very expensive, while Latanoprost, a similar prostglandin analog is often a much less expensive alternative.*(See below for average prices)

HOW DOES LATANOPROST (XALATAN) WORK?

Latanoprost like Bimatoprost, the active ingredient in both Latisse and Lumigan, is a topical prostaglandin analog derived from fatty acids and created to bind to prostaglandin receptors.   Prostaglandin receptors are present in hair, particularly in the dermal papilla and outer root sheath of the hair follicle.  New research shows that scalp hair follicles contain prostaglandin receptors. The exact mechanics of how it works is unknown, but it is believed to affect the anagen growth phase of the hair cycle in two ways.  First, it increases the length of the growth phase, and second it increases the number of hairs in this growth phase. Therefore bimatoprost should work by transforming fine, colorless, velus hair in the balding are of the scalp to normal, pigmented terminal hair.

WILL LATANOPROST (XALATAN) WORK FOR ME? WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS?

Bimatoprost grows and darkens eyelashes and has shown promising results in preliminary studies for growing hair on the scalp.  It will not restart hair growth in areas where the hair follicles are completely dead and gone.  It will only thicken and stimulate the growth of working hair follicles.  Therefore it will work to save the hair you already have and thicken it and enhance its growth.  So if you already have a long-time established bald patch with absolutely no hairs, not even a few fine hairs, bimatoprost will not regrow the hair, but it will stimulate growth and thicken hairs in the surrounding areas.

HOW LONG BEFORE I SEE RESULTS?

You should start to see results in time frame of weeks to months.   In clinical trials for eyelashes you can begin to see improvements as early as 4 weeks to two months but it may take up to 16 weeks.

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO USE LATISSE?

The underlying predisposition to hereditary male pattern hair loss is always present.  If you decide to stop using Latisse or Lumigan, usually the results recede within about two months.  With regular use you will continue to experience thickening and regrowth of your hair.

IS LATISSE or the less expensive alternative LATANOPROST (XALATAN) DIFFERENT FROM NON-PRESCRIPTION PRODUCTS FOR HAIR GROWTH?

Yes.  Latisse (bimatoprost) solution is the ONLY and the first prescription treatment approved by the FDA and clinically proven to grow eyelashes fuller, longer, thicker and darker, and has shown great promise for male pattern baldness.  It is the only prescription strength product available made under strict pharmaceutical standards.  The only other medications FDA approved for male pattern hair loss in Men are finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil.

WHEN and HOW DO I USE LATANOPROST (XALATAN)?

Latisse or Lumigan is a once-a-day treatment that is applied topically and externally (never apply in the eye or take internally) each evening to the affected area of the scalp just one or two drops to the balding, thinning areas.

WHAT SHOULD I USE TO APPLY LATANOPROST (XALATAN)?

If you are using  Latisse you can use the sterile applicators supplied with the Latisse solution to apply the solution to your scalp.  When using Latisse for your eyelashes, you must ONLY use the sterile applicators. The applicators have been specially designed and manufactured to meet FDA standards and to ensure the correct dose of Latisse.  When using Latisse or Lumigan for scalp hair loss you can use the Latisse applicator or any other applicator or even spread it with your finger tips wearing a latex glove.

WHAT STUDIES ARE BEING DONE REGARDING LATISSE or  LATANOPROST (XALATAN)  MALE PATTERN HAIR LOSS ?

Allergan has completed FDA Phase I trials of Latisse for scalp male pattern hair loss which tests for safety.  Now Phase II/III trials are beginning for efficacy.  Over the last several years physicians have been prescribing Latisse off-label for male pattern hair loss with great success.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET LATANOPROST (XALATAN) IN MY EYE?

Latisse solution is an ophthalmic drug product.  If any gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm.  The eye should not be rinsed.  You just should be careful to keep the tip of the bottle or the applicator from touching your fingers or surfaces in order to avoid contamination.

CAN I USE MINOXIDIL WHILE USING TOPICAL BIMATOPROST?

Yes but don’t use it at the same time. It is best to introduce one at a time in case you get scalp irritation you can identify which product is the cause. Use one topical in the morning and once at night.

WHAT IF i forget to apply latanoprost (xalatan)?

If you miss a day, don’t try to catch up. Instead, just apply it like normal the following day. Using Latisse or Lumigan more than once a day will not increase the growth of your hair add just puts you at a higher risk of side effects.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF LATANOPROST (XALATAN)?

The most common side effects after using Latisse or Lumigan solution are an itching sensation or redness. Less common side effects that can occur on the skin close to where Latisse is applied include skin darkening and redness.

Skin hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) is a possible side effect of Latisse in the immediate area where applied but may be reversible after discontinuation of the product.

If Latisse / Lumigan gets in the eye, it can darken light color eyes.

WHAT IF I EXPERIENCE SIGNS OF ALLERGIC REACTION?

If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction including redness, swelling, itching, or pain, seek immediate medical assistance.

CAN LATANOPROST (XALATAN) CAUSE THE COLOR OF MY EYES TO CHANGE?

Eye color change, iris pigmentation, is not reported with Latisse clinical trials. Eye color changes were reported only in patients using a similar medication when applied directly into the eye to treat glaucoma/elevated intraocular pressure.   Latisse is NEVER applied into the eye, only on the outer surface of the upper eyelashes or to the scalp.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ABOUT LATANOPROST (XALATAN)?

• Latisse / Lumigan is to be used externally only.
• Latisse / Lumigan is not be put in the eye, permanent discoloration of the iris (the colored part of the eye) could occur.
• Latisse / Lumigan is to be used once a day before bedtime.

WHO SHOULD NOT USE LATANOPROST (XALATAN)?

• Do NOT use Latanoprost(Xalatan) if you have or have had glaucoma or have problems with intraoccular pressure.
• Do NOT use Latanoprost(Xalatan) if you are using IOP (Intraoccular Pressure) lowering medications.
• Do NOT use Latanoprost(Xalatan) if you are pregnant or nursing.
• Do NOT use Latanoprost(Xalatan) if you are under the age of 18.