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Why is Latisse a Prescription?

Posted on May 3, 2010 in Durrie Vision News

On Sunday, May 2,2010 The New York Times ran a front page article about Latisse titled, “Long Lashes Without Prescription, but with Risks.” The article talked about how Latisse is being dispensed, sometimes without seeing a doctor, and even online without a prescription. It is true that many plastic surgeons, dermatologists and medspas are dispensing Latisse without an eye exam. . But, as the article states, at least a medical doctor can talk to the patients about proper usage and risks of the drug. Online sales are prohibited by Allergan, the maker of Latisse, and the FDA approved its use as a lash enhancer with the restriction that it is a prescribed drug, because of possible use and potential side effects. Latisse is the same formula as Lumigan, a glaucoma eyedrop, which reduces eye pressure. While any physician can prescribe Latisse, they can’t take care of an eye problem if one should arise. At Durrie Vision, we consult with each patient, check their eye health and follow up in eight weeks to make sure there is no change in eye pressure or side effects. Dr. Andrew G. Iwach, executive director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco, was quoted in the article saying, “When it’s something as personal, something so critical as vision, you don’t want to cut corners.”