I’ve seen loads of buzz on the net about generic Latisse retailing for only $10 a bottle, whereas branded Latisse retails for ~$one hundred twenty per 30 day supply. Sounds too good to be true? Well it’s a bit of sophisticated. After some research, I assumed I would put up my findings here and hopefully it’s going to assist with the confusion.
What’s Latisse?
Latisse is a ophthalmic resolution of 0.03% bimatoprost answer in any other case generally known as Lumigan. So in layman’s time period, it is an eyedrop resolution for glaucoma patients, principally it lowers eye pressure. When Allergan, the corporate advertising the product, performed clinical trials they noticed that their patients’ eyelashes were rising considerably. Being a cosmetic firm (Restylane and Botox), Allergan shortly realized the chance. Applied to the pores and skin and not the interior of the eye, Latisse is secure with out main negative effects. Some unwanted side effects embrace discoloration of pores and skin (reversible) and darkening of iris (may not be reversible).
Does it work?
The short reply is sure it does, however it varies. Some people will get dramatic outcomes whereas others it’s going to be extra modest. I am a current user and i definitely see improvement in size and thickness. There’s some controversy surrounding the biostatics of the clinical trials however it’s fairly moot level and not likely attention-grabbing.
What about generic Latisse that sells for $10?
Careprost is one product that touts itself as the generic for Latisse and retails for $10. Careprost like Latisse is 0.03% bimatoprost answer. Careprost is supposedly manufactured by Sun Pharmaceuticals, an Indian generic pharmaceutical producer that additionally manufactures hundred of other generics. I could not verify it although through Solar Pharmaceuticals’ company webpage.
Why would you buy Latisse as a substitute of Careprost?
Well initially, it is unlawful in the US to buy Careprost. In United States, due to patent protections it’s is unlawful to market a 0.03% bimatoprost resolution for anyone else but Allergan. For glaucoma patients, the patent expires in Aug 2014 (extended from Sep 2012). For Latisse customers, market exclusivity (Allergan is one company who can market) lasts until Dec 2011 however patents (even different producers have to pay Allergan) don’t expire until Could 2024 (coated by 3 patents 6403649, 7351404, 7388029). So until May 2024, it is unlikely the value of Latisse will drop considerably. The US authorities nevertheless has not cracked down on patients however instead the distributors. So if bimat eye drops want to use Careprost, it’s probably unlikely that anyone will come knocking on your door, although it’s punishable as much as 5 years in prison and $250,000 advantageous.
Extra importantly is the problem of safety. There is not any guarantee that you’re truly receiving 0.03% bimatoprost. These on-line pharmacies don’t require a prescription which is really questionable since bimatoprost requires a prescription in both UK, Canada, US, and almost certainly most other international locations. There has been experiences of fake drugs from on-line vendors. Even when the answer is bimatoprost, there isn’t any assure that it was manufactured under the right circumstances. Solar Pharmaceuticals was cited by the FDA for not complying with GMP requirements in Oct 2010. One evaluation on Make-up Alley cited the undesired growth of hair on nook of eye. In the occasion of an averse response to the answer, you’ve gotten nobody to sue because you acquired the answer illegally.
So what’s the ultimate verdict?
If you are confidant that you are getting 0.03% bimatoprost from the net distributor then by all means go for it. You can save almost $a hundred per bottle. But do take into account that you are breaking the law.