Brooke Shields touts benefits of Latisse in ad that downplays risks

We’re accustomed to seeing celebrities pushing prescription drugs in TV ads, so I was not surprised when I saw that Brooke Shields had signed on as spokeswoman for the new $120-a-month eyelash-lengthening drug Latisse (bimatoprost). But it did strike me as surprising that Shields would have the condition hypotrichosis, for which the FDA approved the drug. Allergan, the maker of Latisse defines the condition as "inadequate or not enough lashes."

I suppose adequacy is in the eye of the beholder to some degree. These promotional before and after pictures suggest that Shields’ lashes did get longer. But were they really “inadequate” to begin with? That’s an important question because the drug has some serious risks that should be considered. Latisse’s benefits are strictly cosmetic, the side effects might not be.

Our consultants are concerned not just about the common side effects of red and itchy eyes, or the potential for adverse cosmetic outcomes. Note that the ad, which has been posted online by Sona Medspa, downplays the risk of "eyelid skin darkening" by saying that this effect “may be reversible.” I guess that means it may also be irreversible, no? Further the ad describes a potential for “increased brown iris pigmentation.” But that suggests that the irises were brown to begin with, doesn’t it? The fact is that, while rare, bimatoprost has been known to darken even blue and green eyes to a permanent dark brown.

In addtion, our consultants worried that people who develop glaucoma or other eye problems may not realize they have the condition if they are using Latisse, potentially delaying necessary treatment. The Latisse ad cautions that anyone using eye-pressure-lowering drugs, or with a history of eye-pressure should use the drug under "close doctor care." But our consultants urge more caution. One expert said she’d require patients to undergo a full eye exam before prescribing Latisse. That’s not a bad idea for anyone considering using the drug, and patients who do use it should follow up with an annual eye exam to detect any changes in the eye.

—Kevin McCarthy, associate editor

For more on the pros and cons of Latisse, read our previous blog.

 

Comments

[Jess]

Hi,
I have read all the comments above and am thinking about purchasing either Latisse or Revitalash. Does anyone else have any other comparisons/pros & cons of the differences? Also, has anyone with light blue eyes had any color pigmentation? I definately dont want to ruin the color of my eyes.

[LifeTheAntidrug]

Sorry to be so cold, but how stupid can you be to risk your eye health in order to possibly have longer thicker lashes?

It bothers me that there are lots people out there who tried this without giving it a second thought! Really???

Its reckless. Shame on the FDA for ever approving something that has so much risk and so little to gain.

[Craig]

The most useful comment here is that everyone should get a full exam before going on Latisse. Preferably by an Ophthalmologist (MD) or an Optometrist (OD).

Some of these comments are lacking key points. For example, "The fact is that, while rare, bimatoprost has been known to darken even blue and green eyes to a permanent dark brown." It is important to note that increased iris pigmentation did not occur in the Latisse clinical trials. Increased iris pigmentation was reported in ~2% of bimatoprost patients when used as a glaucoma therapy, i.e. putting drops directly into the eye. This is significantly different that applying bimatoprost to the eye lid with an applicator brush. The fact is that there are no documented cases or iris pigmentation due to Latisse when used as directed (only with bimatoprost for glaucoma). It was ~2% putting drops directly in the eye so theoretically the incidence will be even less than that with Lastisse (applied properly). However, it is still a consideration.

Next, the following comment is simply irrelevant and shows little understanding of the disease, "In addtion, our consultants worried that people who develop glaucoma or other eye problems may not realize they have the condition if they are using Latisse, potentially delaying necessary treatment."

Glaucoma is an asymptomatic and insidious condition., aka "The Sneak Thief of Sight". IOP is not a factor in patient identified disease. People do not realize they have Primary Open Angle Glaucoma because of the intraocular pressure (IOP) changes. Besides, Latisse lowered pressure ~1.5 mm Hg, which because of a number of reasons, is not really going to mask IOP as a risk factor.

BEST THING PEOPLE CAN DO IS JUST VISIT AN EYE CARE PROFESSIONAL AND NOT READ THESE ILL-INFORMED ONLINE ARTICLES.

[Gayle]

I tried this product for about 6 weeks (following the enclosed instructions exactly). The first bottle did not really bother my eyes other than the occasional redness which was noted as a possible side effect, but when I started the second bottle I had a MAJOR allergic reaction.

I don’t know if it was a residual effect or what, but within 1 week it caused my eye lids to become pink, swollen and itchy all the way up to my eyebrows. (It felt, and looked, like what I think a “chemical peel” would feel like.)

I stopped using it immediately, but the redness and irritation has remained along with a nasty dryness that has flakes. After 8 weeks it is beginning to heal, but as it does it is "pulling" the entire area around my eyes making it look crepe-y and wrinkled.

My eye area has aged 15 years in the last 3 months! There was also a slight blurring of my vision in the most effected eye. The vision has almost returned to normal, but it is still not what it was prior to using this product.

I’m sure that this product is great for most people, but I would give ANYTHING to turn back the clock and never use it.

[joni]

I hate to say it, but I totally regret using Revitalash. Although it did work, and I loved that my lashes were getting fuller and longer but it caused my bright green eyes to go hazel and much darker. Now when I look in the mirror, I have no idea whose eyes are looking back. I think anyone with blue or green eyes, should not even consider using any of the lash growing products.

[Lynn]

I was a medical reporter for FOX-TV. In my medical journal research four years ago I read Xalatan, used for glaucomacaused eyelashes to grow. Millions have used Xalatan and for decades. Occasionally there is a "problem" where only hazel eyes become darker, otherwise there have been very few. Xalatan is the same product as is Latisse and costs $60.00 for three months, not $120.00 for one month. I love it, lashes are long and eyes stayed the same.

[Cheryl]

Of course everyone will have their reasons to use/not use the product. I do use it, for cancer / vanity inspired reasons and have not had any side effects. My eyes are medium brown, and no change there, no redness, no irritation (and I wear contacts daily), nothing. No darkening on the top lids. Note: READ THE DIRECTIONS ladies, do not put Latisse on your lower lashes! Use the other products for that. After a mere 2 weeks, my lashes started to be noticeable, in that people I didn't know asked if they were real. A couple things I would suggest as a person who is pro plastics and youth enhancement: (1) YES, get your annual eye exam and the full 360 degree picture, even if you don't wear contacts or glasses. There are many good reasons to do this besides due diligence when you are starting a new cosmetic procedure. Serioulsy, would you get your boobs done without a mammo? Then why skimp on the eye exam? Further, Eye Exams are only around $100, last a year, may uncover other problems, and they don't hurt! After all it's your only set of eyes! (2) If you have to worry about $90/mo vs. $120/mo for the product, don't buy it, you can't afford it. Stuff like this is meant for purely discretionary money, no cutting corners to try and fill in your monthly bills. I agree with another poster here too - donate time and food to a food bank. You will feel better and be so dirty the end of the day, won't care what you eyes look like (although they may itch from the dust in the truck - ooooh side affect). Seriously though, I pop up to $1,000 a month on face goodies (some more or less) in addition to helping the community with generous time and money contributions, so, anyways, that's my opinion. And to prove to yourself you can afford it PAY CASH. Don't rack up years of credit card debt by compounding all the latest greatest stuff they push at the front counter. (3) I agree with one poster, the brushes are shit. They are meant to disperse the product with minimal contamination, but one drop doesn't work with one brush, because the brushes suck. I invested in a really good MAC brush with a tip ideal to disperse Latisse onto, and wash the brush with soap EVERY night, not just warm water. (4) when you are done with up to 16 weeks of application (will be shorter)... ENJOY the comments you will get. People do notice, especially when you put a top of the line mascara on - that will accentuate them even more. I use a MAC primer and MAC Zoom Lash, along with a liner and shadow (Smashbox makes GREAT shadow) of choice with a nifty little product by Cose (get at Mario Triccoci) (eyeliner sealer). This sealer will ensure your pencil or powder eyeliner will outlast your night out. PS - I love Estee Lauder lash as well, Magnascopic, in black. When people comment, just smile and tell them you tried a new make up, isn't it pretty?? So in closing, and most importantly, DON'T USE CHEAP MAKEUP. Most department stores like Nordstrom, Cose (in Tricocci) and MAC will custom blend and will refund if you don't like the product!

[Pete]

Dr. Frankenstein all over again. Does history really have to keep repeating its self?

[Pete]

Oh brook, what have you become??

[Pete]

Don't forget about the side effects of putting glasses on everyday. You could poke your eye out trying to put them on.

That's much more dangerous of a side-effect compared to chemical induced redness, irritation, and permanent color changes.

I would feel much safer putting strange chemicals on my eyes.

I used to have some respect for Brook Shields. She's a vain sell-out pushing pharmacueticals for a "disease" of inadequate lashes. Most people who get it prescribed to them don't even have "inadequate lashes". They just want longer ones. Can't the pharmaceutical companies and doctors (and Brook) spend there money and time with helping people that are really sick?

[Pete]

Lets put strange chemicals on our eyes to make our lashes grow longer. I think its worth the reddness, irritation, possible permanent eye discoloration! Who wouldn't. No wonder why this world is so twisted.
And who is the illogical "person" that said the side effects of a un-natural chemical are basically no different than accidently poking your eye out with a pencil?!
Get a brain.

[aimee bell]

I used Latisse for over 16 weeks and did notice longer and darker lashes (they did get thicker). And, the difference was not noticable to anyone other than me (meaning, no one commented about my lashes or brows looking better). The problem is that it is very expensive and must be used on a consistent basis (daily is what is recommended) and upon stopping use, your lashes will quickly go back to the way they were before use. My eyes were irritated a lot and although it lessened after a few weeks of use, the irritation never completely stopped.

[Jen]

Dude, permanent eye color changes!? You'd have to be insane to use this stuff, especially if you have eye color other than brown or blue. Those are on an entirely different GENE than blue or brown eyes, so if you're getting brown pigment, that's probably some kind of genetic mutation.

[heather]

I bought Revitalash (for under $90 on the internet) after loosing all my eyelashes to chemotherapy, and them growing back lighter, and thinner.

It made them longer, thicker, and yes it did make them darker!! (after having light almost blonde lashes grow back in after chemotherapy it was very noticeable that they were darker after the Revitalash)

I did NOT have ANY eye darkening, redness, puffiness or irritation. The tube lasts a LONG time, and FAR cheaper than Latisse. Even at full price it would still be cheaper because it lasts so much longer. I saw results with Revitalash within 2 months of use -- that's 8 weeks.

FYI -- I discovered Revitalash from a gal at my dentists office, and a former piano teacher BOTH raved about it. My former piano teacher had to CUT her lashes after it grew them so long -- because they hit her eye glasses.

[Mary Boyle]

This product has caused me more harm than good. I have stopped using after only 3 weeks due to my eye color changing and my eyes also becoming more than dry but very red. Also, another problem I am still dealing with after ending the usage is pupil dilation that comes and goes and it is not normal. I would urge people not to use this product or any other medication being put near the eye because when it comes to your eyes you have much to lose. If you are still considering using the product, please see an eye doctor to go over the warnings in detail and also read the blogs on this product. I still don't recognize my eye color when I look in the mirror and that's sad to me. I would hate to read that someone else saw eye color change or was having other serious eye issues so please think carefully before you start this medication.

[Anna (Green Talk)]

I also wrote about the side effects of Latisse on my website. Recently I caught a glimpse of Brooke Shield's promoting this product. I was blown away. Did she not bother to read the side effects? With Ms Shield promoting the product, more people will want to use it for the vanity factor without worrying about the consequences.

Kevin, I am in 100% agreement with everything you stated in your article and am glad that Consumer Reports wrote about this issue. It makes me feel better that I am not the only one alarmed about this new drug.

Nice reporting.

[Gemini]

My response to:

"While caution and full knowledge are always important with anything we use, it could be similarly argued that eye pencils are dangerous since one may accidentally poke their eyes out with it, causing permanent blindness, or that mascara may get into the eyes. Some mascaras cause itchiness, and if they get in the eye too much, can scratch the sclera or even the iris itself. In the same way, the original glaucoma medicine was an eye drop that was put directly into the eye itself, not merely onto the upper eye lid as the Latisse would be. It seems that unless one was repeatedly rubbing the stuff into their eye, it shouldn't really effect the color of the iris. I think the use is a matter of personal preference, and I personally wouldn't be willing to spend that much money. However, if the primary concern is that people not have a slanted understanding of the product, then it should be accurately explained that the possible side-effects would only be possible if the consumer put the stuff into their eye repeatedly, and did not follow the instructions. Of course, either way I can understand the concern, but overall I think brown eyes aren't quite as serious a risk as permanent blindness, but I agree that most people would want to know that their eye color had the potential to change if they got the stuff in their eyes. "

Seriously?!!! Eye pencils can be dangerous because we can poke out an eye?! The consistancy is soft, creamy, nothing like a lead pencil...what stat's do you have that that has ever happened? (Comment obviously written by a man)
Having your natural eye color permanently change to brown isn't a concern?! Just a matter of personal preference?!! We should be more concerned that an eye pencil could poke out an eye? Do you not see how obvious it is that you work for this company?! Seriously! Do you think we are all that ignorant?
I understand that this was originally used for glaucoma, and sight vs. brown eyes is certainly something someone should consider. But considering changing the color of your iris permanantly for vanity? That's a concern! And if you continute to read the side affects of the product...a concern even more.

[Susan]

I've used Latisse for the past 18 weeks. My eyelashes have finally gotten longer, thicker and darker. Love them! However, my top eyelids are red (and puffy looking) and my bottom lids have darkened -- I have fabulous lashes, but now I look like I've aged 10 yrs. and/or went on a drinking spree the night before. The redness comes and goes, but I noticed that after 8 weeks, there are fewer occasions of redness in my eyes.

I may stop after I finish my current bottle. I just can't deal w/ this darkening around my eyelids. It really does look awful.

[tica]

It is now 7 1/2 weeks since I've used Latisse - the product does work, lashes are about 1/3 longer overall and quite a bit thicker. I used Jan Marini about 2+ yrs ago - Latisse produces a more "definite" lash. JM was about $ 100 and the Latisse is $ 120 for 1st but I got 2 from my dermatologist and the 2nd was $80 (rationale is that there is no instructions or face-time w/his staff so less $$).

The brushes provided by Allergan are a total joke and for this amount of $ is shameful!!! I've seen better quality brushes in kids sets @ Michael's craft stores. If you follow Allergan's instructions you will use and waste a bottle a month....instead what was recommended was to place a drop in the top of the bottle: this sets up a "well" of Latisse and then use an old eyeliner brush to draw the Latisse on your eyelash margin. I use a synthetic Estee Lauder one - and run hot water on it after each nightly application. Have notice no darkening on upper lid and
a slight darkening lower lid. But I blot w/q tip at lid margins. Still have plenty of Rx left and it's 2 months. 3 months should be interesting!

[Chantal]

It's been about 6 weeks since I first posted about my Sister and I using different lash-growth products. I've been faithful with my Revitalash and am quite happy with the way my lashes look. They are definitely longer and oddly enough--curlier!!! I've also been using it on my eyebrows and have noticed they're starting to fill in. My Sister, on the other hand, gave up on Latisse after 3 weeks. She found it terribly irritating and hated the brown discoloration it caused all around the eye area. I have to say, it didn't look good...

[Fascinated]

While caution and full knowledge are always important with anything we use, it could be similarly argued that eye pencils are dangerous since one may accidentally poke their eyes out with it, causing permanent blindness, or that mascara may get into the eyes. Some mascaras cause itchiness, and if they get in the eye too much, can scratch the sclera or even the iris itself. In the same way, the original glaucoma medicine was an eye drop that was put directly into the eye itself, not merely onto the upper eye lid as the Latisse would be. It seems that unless one was repeatedly rubbing the stuff into their eye, it shouldn't really effect the color of the iris. I think the use is a matter of personal preference, and I personally wouldn't be willing to spend that much money. However, if the primary concern is that people not have a slanted understanding of the product, then it should be accurately explained that the possible side-effects would only be possible if the consumer put the stuff into their eye repeatedly, and did not follow the instructions. Of course, either way I can understand the concern, but overall I think brown eyes aren't quite as serious a risk as permanent blindness, but I agree that most people would want to know that their eye color had the potential to change if they got the stuff in their eyes.

[Angelica]

I have tried multiple lash products and considered trying this product until reading about alll the scary side effects and the expensive price tag. I started using Revitalash because a girlfriend of mine had been using it and I could totally notice a major difference. Lucky for me the only difference I have noticed is in the length and fullness of my lashes!! No icky side effects with this product.. probably because it was created by an eye doctor.

[Bette]

$120 a month for something that's going to change your eye color, grow unwanted hair if it gets on other skin, and darken your eyelids? What vanity! How 'bout donating the $120 to a food bank?

[Latisse Works]

People compare revitalash to Latisse, Latisse is a drug and it works better than any make up out there, is it for everyone,No it's not, but there is a generic version that can be bought for the same price as a good mascara so this changes everything. Bambilashes.com has generic versions and all the Latisse facts, before we judge the product theres lots to learn.

[Chantal]

FYI---my Sister and I are having a lash-growth competition. She bought Latisse from her Dermatologist, I got Revitalash as a birthday gift. We've both been using our products for 8 weeks now. She has slight discoloration around her eyes and itchiness. I don't... Our lashes have grown ever-so-slightly, nothing to write home about. Latisse says it takes 16 weeks, Revitalash says 12-13 weeks. My product was definitely cheaper! I guess we'll have to wait a few more weeks for the final result. I'm just glad I didn't spend the $$$ for Latisse...

[eric]

It doesn't look like her "inadequate" eyes have hurt her career over the years. She almost seems like a dumb choice to be a spokesperson. Now someone who had gotten new eyelashes that then changed their life, that would be worth touting.