Careprost Eye Drops 0.03% (Bimatoprost)

Careprost general information

What is Careprost used for?

Careprost eye drops 0.03% (also known as Lumigan and Latisse in the US) is an ophthalmic solution used to lower pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of glaucoma, which is raised IOP caused by a build up of fluid (aqueous humour) in the eye. Increased IOP can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may cause gradual loss of sight, starting with peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye. Careprost 0.03% increases the drainage of aqueous fluid out of the eye which decreases IOP and prevents loss of sight. Careprost eye drops are also used to treat ocular hypertension (increased IOP without ocular nerve damage) to lower IOP. Careprost eye drops 0.03% are also used to treat hypotrichosis, which is when eyelash growth is abnormal or not sufficient to give you adequate or enough eyelashes, and allows you to grow longer, thicker and darker eyelashes.

How does Careprost work?

Careprost eye drops 0.03% (also known as Lumigan and Latisse in the US) contain bimatoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of the naturally occurring prostamide, which is a prostaglandin-like chemical that has distinct and specific actions in various tissues of the body, including potent ocular hypotensive (pressure reducing) activity. The build up of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually to maintain normal eye pressure. Bimatoprost in Careprost 0.03% binds to the same receptors in the eye as prostamide and increases the flow of aqueous humour out of the eye through the spongy tissue called the trabecular network, which is the conventional drainage route for the aqueous, by reducing the tonographic (pressure-sensitive) resistance to outflow of aqueous humour and opening up the trabecular mesh for fluid drainage. As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma is left untreated.

What does Careprost contain?

Careprost eye drops contain the active ingredient bimatoprost 0.03%), a synthetic analogue of prostamide, in an ophthalmic solution (0.3mg/ml w/v) used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma. 

An applicator is not supplied in the packaging, but a very fine eyeliner brush is suitable

They also contain sodium phosphate dibasic, sodium chloride, citric acid monohydrate, purified water and the preservative benzalkonium chloride; sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust PH.

Growing long eyelashes with Careprost

Careprost eye drops 0.03% (also known as Latisse and Lumigen) is used to treat hypotrichosis, which is when eyelash growth is abnormal or not sufficient to give you adequate or enough eyelashes. Careprost eye drops contain bimatoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of a naturally occurring chemical called prostaglandin, which is thought to be involved in hair growth and works by increasing the length of the active hair growth phase. Careprost eye drops can help you grow eyelashes that are longer, fuller and darker than they were before.

Treating glaucoma with Careprost

Careprost eye drops 0.03% contain bimatoprost, a synthetic analogue (mimic) of the naturally occurring prostamide that has potent ocular hypotensive (pressure reducing) activity and is used to treat glaucoma. The build up of pressure in the eye that is seen in glaucoma is caused by a blockage in the draining system for the eye fluid called aqueous humour, which is produced continually. Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased production or decreased drainage from the eye increases IOP, which can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight. Bimatoprost in Careprost eye drops increases the flow of aqueous humour out of the eye through the spongy tissue called the trabecular network, by opening up the trabecular mesh for fluid drainage. As the flow of fluid into and out of the eye becomes balanced again, the pressure in the eye is lowered and this reduces the risk of damage to the optic nerve and loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated.

What are the side effects of Careprost?

The most commonly reported side effects when using Careprost eye drops 0.03% include: red congested eyes (conjunctival hyperaemia), growth of eyelashes, itching, irritation or inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis) and eyelid (blepharitis), sensitivity to light, an increase in colouring or pigment of area around eye, visual changes, eyelash darkening, darkening of the iris, headache, dizziness, infection (primarily colds and upper respiratory tract infections).

When should Careprost not be used?

You should not use Careprost eye drops 0.03% if you:

• are allergic to bimatoprost or any of the ingredients in Careprost eye drops
• are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or breast feeding
• have liver, kidney or respiratory disease
• are wearing contact lenses, you should remove your contacts and replace them after using Careprost eye drops

How should Careprost be used for growing eyelashes?

You should use your Careprost eye drops 300mcg/ml (also known as Latisse and Lumigan) once nightly, by applying to the base of the upper eye lashes of each eye. (An applicator is not supplied but a very fine eyeliner brush is suitable) Do not apply to the lower lid. Also avoid touching other areas with Careprost eye drops, as this may result in unwanted hair growth. Before applying your Careprost eye drops, ensure that your face is clean and makeup and contact lenses are removed. If you are using an eyeliner brush as an applicator, ensure that it is clean before each application. Place one drop of Careprost close to the tip of your brush and immediately draw the brush across the skin of the upper eyelid margin where the eyelashes meet the skin, starting from the inner part of your lash line to the outer part of your lash line. Any extra solution should be blotted with a tissue. Should any Careprost solution get into your eye, there is no need to rinse out the eye. This will not harm the eye. You may reinsert your contact lenses 5 minutes after application of the Careprost. To avoid contamination by bacteria known to cause infections, ensure that the tip of the bottle or brush does not come into contact with your fingers or any other matter. You should begin to see results within 8 weeks with maximum eyelash growth by 12-16 weeks. If you stop using your Careprost eye drops, your eye lashes will return to their original condition, within a few weeks or months. If you are using Careprost for reducing your intraocular pressure or if you have glaucoma, you should not use Careprost eye drops for eyelash growth.

How should Careprost be used for glaucoma?

You should use your Careprost eye drops 0.03% by applying one drop into the affected eye, once daily, preferably in the evening, and following the instructions provided. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Careprost eye drops and then replace them. You should continue to use your Careprost eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.
Can you use Careprost and Latisse/Lumigan together for glaucoma and eyelash growth?
If you are using another prostaglandin analog like Lumigan or Latisse for reducing your intraocular pressure or if you have glaucoma, you should not use Careprost eye drops for eyelash growth, as using both together may interfere with the reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) that you need to achieve.

How long should you use Careprost for eyelash growth?

You should use your Careprost eye drops 0.03% continually for 12-16 weeks for maximum eyelash growth and you will begin to see results within 8 weeks. If you stop using your Careprost eye drops, your eye lashes will return to their original condition, within a few weeks or months.

How long should you use Careprost for glaucoma?

You should continue to use your Careprost eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for several months or years, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure only while using Careprost eye drops but will not cure glaucoma.

Missed dose of Careprost

If you miss a dose of Careprost eye drops take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Careprost be stored?

You should store your Careprost eye drops in a cool place where the temperature stays below 25°C and always replace the top on the bottle to prevent contamination. Discard the bottle of Careprost eye drops 4 weeks after opening.