Composition of the drug
The manufacturer uses bimatoprost at a dosage of 0.5 mg/ml as the main active ingredient. Additionally, the preservative benzalkonium chloride, disodium phosphate, water for injection and citric acid are added to the drug.
The pH level is adjusted using hydrochloric acid. The pharmaceutical company can also replace the component or supplement its effect with sodium hydroxide. As a result, the indicator is within the normal range from 6.8 to 7.8.
Bimatoprost
Bimatoprost is the active ingredient of a number of ophthalmic drugs (Careprost, Bimat, Lumigan, Xlash, etc.), used for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma. today it is used for cosmetic purposes, in the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis.
pharmachologic effect
The substance bimatoprost is a structural analogue of prostaglandins. The exact mechanism of its action is unknown, but it is assumed that the growth and increase in volume of eyelashes can occur due to an increase in the duration of the hair follicle phase, and the appearance of a large number of new eyelashes.
• Individual sensitivity to bimatoprost or other components of the drug.
Sometimes the use of the drug causes: itching and burning of the mucous membrane, redness of the eyelids, hyperemia of the conjunctiva. skin hyperpigmentation, dry eye syndrome.
In case of accidental contact with the eyes, the drug can cause: dry mucous membrane, visual disturbances, foreign body sensations, burning and pain, blepharitis. cataract. superficial keratitis. discharge and lacrimation. photophobia, allergic conjunctivitis. swelling of the conjunctiva. asthenopia. iridocyclitis. changes in hair growth, infectious complications, headaches, asthenia.
Possible decrease in intraocular pressure.
With prolonged overdosing of bimatoprost, changes in the color of the iris and hypertrichosis are possible.
When wearing soft contact lenses. They must be removed before instillation of the drug. You can put on contact lenses only after 15 minutes.
Special instructions and precautions
The effect of the drug manifests itself gradually over 2 months. It must be remembered that the effect of using Bimatoprost is not permanent, and if you stop using it, your eyelashes may return to their previous state. In addition, there are sometimes differences in the length of new eyelashes, their thickness, color intensity and direction of growth.
If you forget to apply the drug on time, you should not try to double the dose; the scheduled application of the drug should take place at the usual time the next evening.
Bimatoprost price in online stores (average): 800 rubles.
Ophthalmic drops Bimatoprost 0.03% for topical use, in a 3 ml polyethylene bottle, equipped with an applicator.
Contraindications for use
The drug is not recommended for use in several categories:
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding. The ban is associated with the lack of clinical research results in this area.
- People with a history of hypersensitivity to one of the active ingredients - bimatoprost or any other auxiliary ingredient.
- Children of the younger age category. Use by adolescents is allowed, but only with permission and under the supervision of a physician.
You can learn the correct application technology from the video:
Possible side effects
Undesirable effects after the action of drip medications for glaucoma can occur due to violation of the rules for using the drug and non-compliance with the permissible doses.
In such cases, the patient may experience headaches in the temples and periorbital region, tearing and blurred vision, eyelid dermatitis or spasms.
When the substance gets inside, sweating increases, chills, nausea, abdominal pain appear, breathing becomes difficult, blood pressure rises, and urination becomes more frequent. In general, glaucoma drops are well tolerated. However, in some cases, when diagnosed with glaucoma, eye drops may cause reactions.
Ophthalmological: conjunctivitis, blurred vision, blepharitis, low sensitivity of the ocular cornea, keratitis.
From the cardiovascular system: disruption of the heart, irregular heart rhythm, insufficient cerebral circulation.
From the respiratory system: shortness of breath, bronchospastic syndrome.
Long-term use of drugs can cause chest pain, general fatigue, rash, hives and gastrointestinal problems.
Mode of application
To achieve maximum results, you must follow all the rules for using Careprost. Often, users of a cosmetic product quit after just a week if they don’t see results. In fact, the effect is cumulative. Therefore, one hundred percent impact can only be seen after 2.5 or 3 months.
If you are afraid of simply not noticing the change, take a photo of your eyelashes before the first use. Then record the result in a month. This way you can track the dynamics.
The pharmaceutical company recommends strictly following the method of applying the drug:
- The first step is to prepare your face. Since standard complete cleansing of the skin from cosmetics will be required, it is advisable to carry out the procedure in the evening. In addition to removing makeup, you will also need to remove your contact lenses. After wiping your skin with lotion or toner, apply cream. Only when the product is completely absorbed can the procedure be continued.
- To use the product correctly, you must follow basic hygiene rules. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap or use an antiseptic. Applicators for application are located in a sterile box. Use only one. The wand cannot be reused. Also apply Careprost with a different applicator to the next eye. Failure to follow recommendations may cause the infection to spread. Often in this case, conjunctivitis appears or worsens. Hold the device horizontally. Try to apply a drop closer to the end of the stick, but avoid the point.
- Now you can begin direct application. Swipe the applicator along the top of the lash roots. Move from the inner corner to the outer. Try to strictly follow the growth line. Otherwise, the medicine gets on the mucous membrane. Also, you cannot use the drug for the lower eyelid. This can cause unwanted overgrowth.
- Upon completion, you need to remove any remaining product. Don't use cotton wool. Particles may get into the eye. To clean your eyelashes, it is advisable to use a cotton pad. You can also replace the sponge with a clean cloth. But it should absorb moisture well.
- Be sure to throw away the used applicator.
After 4 months of use, you can see the maximum effect of the drug.
Reviews from doctors
Not all products that have gained popularity in the field of cosmetology are beloved by ophthalmologists. There are various reviews about Careprost on medical forums: both positive and negative. However, all experts unanimously declare that since there are a lot of counterfeits of the drug in Russia due to its increased popularity, women should purchase such a product only in large stores.
Some doctors recommend this drug for eyelash growth, since bimatoprost, which is part of it, has been used in medicine for a long time. It has a minimum of side effects, so it can be used by almost everyone, with the exception of pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children.
According to doctors' reviews of Careprost, its main disadvantage is the fact that one of the components in the composition is a drug. It should be used with caution and only as directed by a professional physician. Applying the drug to the eyes can cause a bacterial infection, although only if the instructions for use are not followed. It is extremely difficult to treat eyes from infection; the patient risks damaging his vision if he does not seek medical help from a specialist in time.
Side effects
According to clinical data, adverse reactions occur in only four percent of patients. As a rule, after use, irritation, itching, redness, dryness and conjunctivitis appear. If any discomfort occurs, you should immediately stop using Careprost and consult an ophthalmologist.
Patients with a history of low blood pressure should strictly adhere to the dosage and undergo periodic examination by a doctor. Also, the use of the product can lead to a short-term change in skin color (usually darkens). Frequent contact with the skin can cause unexpected hair growth. Therefore, avoid getting the product on your skin and remove all residue immediately after application (except for the area on the upper eyelid).
Uneven application results in different thickness, length, direction of growth and number of eyelashes on two eyes. After stopping use, such symptoms will disappear. In case of accidental contact with the eyes, a reaction will also not occur. If any discomfort occurs, you can rinse it with water.
There are known cases of hyperpigmentation of eyelashes and eyelids. In 100% of cases, the darkening of the periorbital tissues disappeared after stopping the use of Careprost. There is a possibility of spots appearing on the iris if Careprost accidentally comes into contact with the eyes. According to the results of clinical studies, such side effects were not recorded.
The preservative benzalkonium chloride is incompatible with some contact lens materials. It is not advisable to wear optics made of soft components. Also, before taking it, you need to remove the lenses and put them back on 20-25 minutes after using Careprost.
Hypertrichosis can occur in areas of constant contact with the skin. In this case, it is enough to cancel the use of the product. Unwanted hair will disappear in no later than ninety days.
During the period of illness, you must stop using the product. Bimatoprost, which is included in the composition, can increase the inflammatory process, especially uveitis. Buy the drug only at a pharmacy or professional salon. Often side effects appear after using an uncertified or counterfeit drug.
Possible side effects
- Uneven hair growth. Often the eyelashes begin to grow in different directions and may cross. This effect looks very sloppy. There are also cases when hair growth is noted on the inner surface of the eyelid.
- Change in pupil color. Prostaglandins can change the eye color of those who have yellow and brown spots in the iris. These can be the owners of brown, green and gray eyes. Usually this process is irreversible.
- Withdrawal syndrome. The effect of prostaglandins wears off very quickly after stopping their use. After a short time, the eyelashes return to their original appearance.
- Darkening of the skin of the eyelids. Many patients note increased skin pigmentation in the area where the solution was used. Unfortunately, this effect remains forever.
- Swelling, hyperemia, burning. In some cases, after the first or several uses, girls may experience the following reaction: their eyelids swell, itch, burn, hurt, and their eyes begin to water.
- Reduced pressure. When it comes into contact with the mucous membrane, blood pressure in the eyes decreases and after stopping use it can rise sharply. This threatens the development of glaucoma and vision loss.
- Vascular network on the eyelids. Due to increased blood circulation, a network of small vessels may appear in the skin. The only way to get rid of them is with a laser.
Analogues of the drug
There are several dozen products for eyelash growth on the cosmetics market. Experts recommend not to risk your health and buy only proven products with quality certificates. Several remedies have identical effects:
- Evolash.
- Latisse.
- Advanced Lash.
- "Lumigan."
If the correct storage conditions are observed (in a safe, dry place without direct sunlight and at temperatures up to +25 degrees), the shelf life of the drug will be two years. It is also necessary to exclude children from coming into contact with the solution. Before application, read the instructions and recommendations of the manufacturer. Look at the date of manufacture. It is forbidden to apply the drug if the packaging is not sealed or if the expiration date has expired. This can cause serious consequences.
Contraindications for Careprost
Careprost is recommended for use by persons with ciliary hypotrichosis - absence or insufficient number of eyelashes. And also having visually unsatisfactory length and thickness.
The solution is contraindicated for use on the lower eyelid, because this may cause excess hair growth outside the area of application. Apply only to the base of the upper lashes.
Careprost is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There are not yet sufficiently rigorous studies regarding pregnant women, however, the benefits do not justify the potential risk to the fetus. Nursing mothers should also not use Careprost as many drugs are excreted in human milk.
Careprost solution can damage contact lenses, so before using the drug they must be removed and reinserted 15-30 minutes after the procedure.
Try to avoid getting eyelash growth product in your eyes. If the solution does get into the eyes, it is not harmful, since it was originally created as eye drops against glaucoma. However, the product may cause redness or itching if it comes into contact with the eyes.
If you suffer from increased intraocular pressure, or have had cases of disturbances in normal intraocular pressure, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution should be used with extreme caution.
When using other ophthalmic drugs to treat glaucoma, be careful as well. combination with careprost may be harmful.
Ophthalmologist: “I would never prescribe CAREPROST to a healthy person.”
November 15, 2014 12:27 199898
Recently, our women's world has been attacked by online stores selling Careprost Bimatoprost eyelash growth product. The use of this product promises long and thick eyelashes in a few weeks; there are a lot of positive reviews and satisfied customers on the Internet.
A tempting proposition, who doesn’t want calf eyelashes, “flapping and flying”?
I am a grown girl, although I believe in fairy tales, I am careful, check and study the composition of the products before use. Since Careprost is more of a drug than a cosmetic product, I decided to consult an ophthalmologist.
— There is a product called Careprost, it is sold as a cosmetic product for eyelash growth, but I know that it was originally a drug for the treatment of glaucoma. I would like to know the opinion of a specialist about the free sale of medications and the advisability of their use.
— I went to the Careprost website - they don’t hide the fact that it’s an ophthalmic agent and there’s nothing wrong with it if it comes into contact with the eyes. But as an ophthalmic agent, prostaglandins have many side effects and are harmful in many eye diseases. In the first row of complications is the stimulation of any slightest inflammatory process caused by prostaglandins. On the careprost website the instructions are in the form of questions and answers and nothing is said about complications.
If the website selling Careprost says nothing about complications, this does not mean that they do not exist. The cosmetic product disguises a drug that I would never prescribe to a child. And children can start using cosmetology.
— Suppose this product is used by a healthy adult who does not have eye diseases or inflammatory processes in the body?
“If side effects were widespread on everyone, the drug would not have been released as a medicine; it’s just that we, doctors, do not prescribe these drugs to everyone and in some situations we temporarily cancel them. The concept of a cosmetic product, I believe, refers to drugs that most people would buy in a regular store without any consultation. And it seems that they are not well informed about the side effects.
In Careprost, I did not find information about incompatibility with thiomersal (preservative).
The words of the ophthalmologist and this article dispelled all doubts about the unsafety of this product. I am sensitive to my health and am not going to deliberately risk it. I will continue to glue false eyelashes ;D
Recently, long eyelashes have become fashionable in Russia. There are many products that can make eyelashes long and lush in record time.
One of the popular remedies today is Careprost (Bimatoprost). First, let's figure out what Bimatoprost is. This is an artificial analogue of prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance found in our body. Bimatoprost began to be used in medicine back in the 30s of the last century. Since 2001, it has been officially approved for use in the United States as a medication for high eye pressure. At the same time, American ophthalmologists noticed a curious thing: the longer the patient used pressure drops, the more magnificent his eyelashes became.
Trichologists picked up the baton, adapting bimatoprost for the treatment of eyelid hypotrichosis - insufficient eyelash growth. At this moment, the cosmetic industry woke up: in 2005, Age Intervention Eyelash conditioner with bimatoprost was released. A little later, RevitaLash and MD Lash Factor appeared. In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of bimatoprost in eyelash products by Allergan, which once introduced Botox into cosmetology. For all other manufacturers, this meant only one thing: the development of new synthetic prostaglandins that would have the same effect on eyelashes as bimatoprost. So, four years later, dozens of products appeared on the market with very different compositions, but a similar scheme of action.
“Unlike the hair on the head, eyelashes and eyebrows grow only to a certain length, given by nature,” says trichologist at the Kraftway clinic, candidate of medical sciences Daria Tyutcheva. – This length depends on the number of cells of the ciliary papillae. Products with prostaglandins irritate the hair follicle, increase blood circulation and stimulate the cells of the ciliary papillae - due to their rapid division, eyelash growth accelerates and their length increases.” However, the body is an integral system in which everything is interconnected: by interfering with some processes, you inevitably influence others.
By irritating the hair follicle, prostaglandins trigger inflammation in the cells. In addition to the fact that any inflammatory process is harmful in itself, it also leads to dermatitis, and sometimes to allergic conjunctivitis. “The eyes are red and itchy, tears are flowing like a river,” - this is how most reviews of girls who used products for eyelash growth begin. “In addition to prostaglandins, allergic reactions are facilitated by a loading dose of oil extracts of plants, vitamins and preservatives, which are also added to eyelash growth products,” says Anastasia Bisharova, assistant at the Department of Dermatology, Mycology and Cosmetology of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Candidate of Medical Sciences. “This composition can clog the sebaceous glands in the corners of the eyes and along the edge of the eyelid.”
Another side effect of prostaglandins is a decrease in intraocular pressure (as we remember, they were originally used in medicine for this purpose). The pressure in the eyeball must be constant, otherwise metabolic processes in the retina and optic nerve are disrupted. Ophthalmologist, head physician of the Sfera clinic, Doctor of Medical Sciences Erika Eskina explains: “Prostaglandins improve the outflow of fluid circulating in the eye - this causes the pressure in the eyeball to drop. When prescribing prostaglandin-based ophthalmic medications, I always warn patients that they may experience a burning sensation in the eyes, as well as pigmentation of the eyelids and iris - they may darken or become mottled.”
The third most common side effect is spider veins on the eyelids. “The skin of the eyelids is the thinnest, about 0.4–0.6 mm, the vessels are located very close to its surface. In response to the main effect of prostaglandins - increased blood circulation - capillaries begin to grow. Some girls even have to mask the vascular network with foundation, says dermatologist Bisharova. “No specialist will undertake to remove it using the traditional method of laser correction: this is dangerous not only for the thinnest skin of the eyelids, but also for vision.”
In addition, many girls get “fluff” around their eyes in addition to long eyelashes. “The drug needs to be applied strictly along the eyelash line, but since many people use it at night and then sleep with their face in the pillow, it is smeared all over the face,” says Tyutcheva. Manager Anna even had to do electrolysis around her eyes. “I bought NeuLash conditioner at the New York department store Barneys,” says Anna. – I applied it before bed. I didn’t feel any discomfort: there was no pain in the eyes, no redness. After two months, the eyelashes actually grew noticeably, but at the same time, abundant dark fluff appeared on the cheekbones and around the eyes. I got scared, threw out the tube, removed the fluff, and a month later my eyelashes became the same as they were before using the product: the long ones slowly fell out, as soon as I rubbed my eyes.” Daria Tyutcheva believes that Anna was in a hurry with hair removal: the fluff, most likely, would have disappeared by itself after some time. However, the Food and Drug Administration in April 2011 declared NeuLash, which Anna used, unsafe. It can no longer be called a cosmetic, but is a mislabeled medicine that should only be used under medical supervision.
Vascular mesh on the eyelids and “fluff” around the eyes - these are just some of the complaints of girls who used eyelash growth products
Finally, there is a risk that the eyelashes may simply fall out. This is how user kis kis kiss described her story on the irecommend.ru forum: “Dryness appeared immediately, pain in the eyes - in the evenings and in the mornings. <. > But I continued to use it, hoping that it was just an addiction.” The girl complains that at some point her eyelashes fell out, and when they grew back, they “turned into some kind of sticks.” Tyutcheva is inclined to believe that the girl is exaggerating about the “sticks”: “The bend of the eyelashes depends on the shape of the hair canal, from which, in fact, they grow. If it is naturally straight, then the hair grows straight - and no cosmetic product can affect this.” Most likely, the user of kis kis kiss had straight eyelashes before using the product, she just never had to watch them grow again.
In addition to side effects, most prostaglandin drugs have a withdrawal effect. In this way they are similar to hormonal drugs: if you stop using them, the condition may not only return to what it was before, but also worsen. “If you have avoided contact dermatitis and conjunctivitis and still use drugs for eyelash growth, you should not suddenly abandon them,” explains Tyutcheva. – When I treat patients for scalp hair loss, I always explain to them that there are powerful growth stimulants that cannot be abandoned at once. You need to gradually “get rid of” them. Let’s say you used the serum once a day, which means you apply it first every other day, then twice a week, and so on, until the tube runs out.”
And if you experience side effects, first contact your doctor and then contact consumer protection organizations. “They work more efficiently and quickly than government agencies, and in case of serious consequences they will help to file a claim against the manufacturer and receive monetary compensation,” advises Anatoly Semenov, deputy chairman of the board of the Russian Perfume and Cosmetic Association.
The experts who provided comments for this article unanimously recommended that we find out what they think about using eyelash growth products. psychologists. “Many girls cling to some minor flaw - for example, short eyelashes - and blame it for all their troubles,” says psychologist Ekaterina Dolzhenko. “They naively think that long eyelashes will change not only their appearance, but their whole life.” But is it possible to change fate with one flutter of your eyelashes?
After stopping the product, long and thick eyelashes, on average, after a month they become “normal” again, although for a while they may fall out completely.
Stimulation of the vascular network leads to its proliferation. A pigment strip is visible along the line of application of the product.
Conjunctivitis. An allergic reaction can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye.
There is only one company in the United States that has conducted clinical trials of an eyelash and eyebrow growth product containing the ingredient Bimatoprost and has received approval for its sale in the United States. However, according to US law, this company was required to indicate all possible side effects when using this cosmetic product, as well as the features of its use, so as not to underestimate the hazardous health consequences of using this product.
Below is a complete list of recommendations and warnings for using this product as provided by this company:
Possible side effects:
Itchy sensation and/or redness of the eyes;
Dark spots on the skin;
Dry eyes and redness of the eyelids
Darkening of the eyelid skin, which may be irreversible
Increased brown pigmentation of the iris
After stopping the use of this type of product, eyelashes may fall out
If the use of this product results in injury or infection to the eyes, or sudden loss of vision, irritation or inflammation of the connective tissue of the eye, particularly conjunctivitis or any reaction of the eyelids, consult a doctor immediately about further use of the product.
Possible hair growth on other areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to this product
Possible differences in the length, thickness, volume, pigmentation, number and/or direction of eyelash growth on the left and right eyes (these visible changes usually disappear when you stop using the product)
Apply to the upper eyelid only, do not apply to the lower eyelid
Use ONLY disposable sterile applicators each time.
Do not allow the bottle cap or applicator to come into contact with other objects to avoid introducing bacteria that can cause infections.
Before applying the product, you must remove contact lenses and reuse them 15 minutes after use.
Use only after consulting a doctor
These products may also have restrictions on use (consultation with a doctor is required):
undergoing a course of chemotherapy;
Get wholesale price
Careprost is a unique Indian remedy for rapid eyelash growth. The action of Careprost is based on the active component Bimatoprost, which is extracted from sea corals. By applying Careprost to the eyelids along the eyelash line, it will enter the hair follicle. There, bimatoprost improves blood circulation, thereby accelerating the growth of the hair itself. In our case, the hair is the eyelash.
What real Careprost will give you:
- Increase in eyelash length by 30%
- Increase in volume by 2 times
- Darkening of eyelash pigment by 20%
- Careprost should only be applied to the upper eyelid!
- Careprost can be used only once a day!
- Careprost does not need to be instilled into the eyes for eyelash growth!
To achieve the result, one bottle of 3 ml is enough for you. One bottle contains approximately 80 drops. If you consider that one drop is enough to apply to both eyelids, then one bottle will last you about 80 days. That is, approximately 2.5 months.
Dreamlash and Volume
"Dreamlash" and "Volum" are direct analogues of "Careprost". Both products are made in the UK. Serum "Dreamlash" has a standard concentration of bimatoprost, which is 0.03%. While for the drug “Volyum” it is higher and amounts to 0.05%. But you should not choose a product based only on the amount of bimatoprost in the composition. Experts say that increased concentrations of this substance do not accelerate hair growth. Therefore, there is no point in overpaying.
Both products are available in identical black bottles of 3 ml. They have a convenient applicator. Manufacturers promise first results after two weeks of use. The cost of the Dreamlash product is 900 rubles. You'll have to pay a little more for Volume.