Careprost and Latisse are fairly recognizable names if you have been looking for an eyelash growth serum.
With the same active ingredient, both medicines are used in treating eyelashes Hypotrichosis, Intraocular hypertension, and Glaucoma.
Eyelash Hypotrichosis is a condition in which a person has inadequate lashes. There has been a growth in the number of people using eyelash growth serum to fight this condition.
As per PRNewswire, the market is set to reach 1,228.4 million$ by 2028.
Serums like Careprost and Latisse continue to help people worldwide regain their lost self-confidence.
In this article, you can learn more about these medicines, their differences, and their similarities.
A quick review: Careprost vs Latisse
Careprost and Latisse contain Bimatoprost as the active ingredient.
Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog that was first launched in the year 2001. It was approved for treating Eyelash Hypotrichosis in 2008.
It is a safe and effective treatment, even for pediatric patients. Bimatoprost is also available under the brand names Lumigan, Actavis Bimatoprost, and Bimat.
Here is a quick review of both these medicines:
Basis | Careprost | Latisse |
FDA-approved uses | It is used for treating Ocular Hypertension Glaucoma Eyelash growth | It is used for Eyelash growth |
Year of approval | 2001 | 2001, approved for eyelash growth in 2008 |
Active salt | Bimatoprost | Bimatoprost |
Severe side effects | Blurred vision Eye color changes Eye discharge Headache Burning, itching, or redness Eye swelling | Redness, discomfort or itching Dry eyes Watery eyes or eyelids Puffy eyelids |
Manufacturer | Sun Pharmaceuticals | Allergan |
Average cost | $18.41 | 44$-164.26$ |
What is Careprost?
Careprost is an eye medicine with Bimatoprost 0.03% for treating eye pressure and Glaucoma.
An Indian pharmaceutical company, Sun Pharmaceuticals, manufactures it.
Careprost lowers intraocular pressure by making it easier for Aqueous humor to flow out of the eye.
Aqueous humor is the clear watery fluid filling the space in front of an eyeball.
Once it flows out of the eye, the pressure inside the eye is reduced, treating Glaucoma.
Ideally, it was developed for treating Glaucoma, but as part of the side effects of its use, it was found that Careprost led to an increase in the length and thickness of the patient’s eyelashes.
It is only from this particular effect that this ophthalmic solution started being used as an eyelash enhancer.
What is Latisse?
Latisse is a cosmetic product that is specifically developed for the growth of eyelashes.
Allergan developed Latisse for treating intraocular pressure in 2001.
As a side effect, many patients who used this medication noticed that their lashes grew longer, fuller, and darker.
This prompted Allergan to investigate the medication’s active ingredient, Bimatoprost, specifically for lash growth.
The FDA approved Latisse in December 2008 after a clinical trial.
It helps to increase the hair’s growth phase, allowing longer and better-looking eyelashes.
What is the difference between Careprost and Latisse?
Careprost and Latisse are two eyelash growth serums containing the ingredient Bimatoprost.
Bimatoprost is a prostaglandin analog medicine, i.e., used to treat Glaucoma.
It enhances blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting the growth of longer, thicker eyelashes.
Careprost is a prescription-based medication that is generally used to treat Glaucoma.
Whereas Latisse is a cosmetic product developed for the growth of eyelashes. In a study with 28 women, Latisse showed results in a short time (less than two months), proving its efficacy.
The main difference between Careprost and Latisse is how they are used.
The difference in formulation means that Careprost can be used to treat Glaucoma, including eyelash growth, and Latisse can only be used for cosmetic purposes.
Latisse vs. Careprost: Dosage
Careprost is available in the form of eye drops. It is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions while taking this medicine.
It is generally recommended to use Careprost eyelash serum close to the upper lash line once a day to treat eyelashes that are too short.
Brandith Irwin, MD, explains the correct way of using Latisse in an article on Healthline.
“In the beginning, you need to use Latisse once a day. So, make it part of your regular daily routine. I suggest keeping it very handy, perhaps right next to your toothbrush or other daily skincare products.
If you miss a day, don’t try and play catch up the next day. You really only need 1 drop of product per day. Applying more will not cause the product to work any faster – it will just waste the product and possibly cause irritation.
And please, have patience! Latisse does take a month or more to start working, so just keep using it every night and have faith, your results will come.
After 3 months, many people (like me) use it every other day instead. You won’t get quite as much growth though.”
Brandith Irwin, MD
Brandith is a founder of Madison Skin & Laser Center in Seattle. She is also a co-founder of SkinTour.com.
Side effects
Like every other medication, Latisse and Careprost have their side effects.
Some of the common side effects are
- Changes in eyelid skin color
- Change in iris color
- Eye redness
- Itching
- Blurred vision
Interactions
Every patient’s body reacts differently to medication.
Careprost and Latisse both show adverse effects if you have the following conditions:
- Renal/liver disease
- Uveitis
- Macular edema
Your doctor may recommend a different salt or strength, keeping in mind your previous health conditions.
Where to buy Careprost?
Careprost is available through various offline and online pharmacies like WowRxPharmacy. Get free home delivery with discreet packaging.
Order it from anywhere, including Canada and the United States.
Where to buy Latisse?
Latisse is also available in various online and offline medicine shops.
It is essential to check with a doctor before taking medicine as it can help you reduce the risk of side effects.
Conclusion
Careprost and Latisse are eyelash growth treatments with the same active ingredient.
Both medicines have different intended uses.
Latisse is developed explicitly for enhancing eyelash growth, whereas Careprost also helps treat Glaucoma.
Both medicines come with respective pros and cons. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment based on your medical condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Careprost as good as Latisse?
Careprost and Latisse contain the same active ingredient Bimatoprost. While Careprost is cheaper, it is also used in treating Glaucoma. Latisse is developed to help eyelashes grow.
What are the side effects of Careprost?
Careprost eye drops can cause side effects such as blurred vision, changes in eye color, headache, and discharge. It can also cause burning, itching, redness, or swelling in the eye.
Is there an off-brand of Latisse?
Yes, there are various generic versions of Latisse available. One of the generic versions is Bimatoprost.
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