Can I Buy Generic Latisse?
Latisse® (
bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is a prescription medication used to enhance eyelashes, making them darker, thicker, and longer. It comes in a 3-mL bottle with 60 single-use applicators (enough for a 30-day supply).
Latisse is manufactured by Allergan, Inc. It is not available in generic form.
When Will Generic Latisse Be Available?
The first patent listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Latisse is currently set to expire in September 2012. However, this patent refers to the use of bimatoprost (the active ingredient in Latisse) to treat
glaucoma, so the patent probably applies only to
Lumigan®, a medication that contains the same active ingredient as Latisse.
The first patent for Latisse that specifically mentions eyelashes is set to expire in January 2022. At this point, January 2022 is the earliest predictable date that a generic version of Latisse may become available. However, this could change, depending on many factors such as lawsuits or additional patents.
Is Bimatoprost a Generic Latisse?
No -- bimatoprost is the active ingredient in Latisse, but is not a generic version of it.
What can be confusing is that oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine.
In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off-patent and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.
Some people may wonder if they can use Lumigan instead of Latisse for enhancing eyelashes. This is not a good idea for various reasons. First, Lumigan does not come with sterile applicators, as it is used directly in the eye. Second, the two medications are priced similarly, resulting in little (if any) cost savings.
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