Tue 8 Jun 2010
This question comes from the Non Surgical Treatments for Baldness section of the Hair Restoration Discussion Forum:
I was wondering if anyone had further information on the drug Bimatoprost? Does it have any effectiveness in treating scalp hair loss? Thanks.
Traditionally, Bimatoprost is a medication used in the treatment of eye diseases like glaucoma and ocular hypertension (high blood pressure in the eye). However, in 2008 the compound, marketed under the name Latisse, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the cosmetic purpose of lengthening and darkening eyelashes. Shortly after Latisse demonstrated significant eyelash growth and darkening, individuals immediately began to question its potential in restoring scalp hair and fighting baldness.
Although many suspect ongoing research, the drug is currently not proven effective in fighting male pattern baldness or female hair loss. Latisse may demonstrate some significance in thickening miniaturized hairs, but cannot grow new hair follicles, meaning it should have no effect on bald scalp. Furthermore, Latisse does not contain any ingredients known to cease or stop ongoing hair loss. Because of this, clinically proven and FDA approved therapies, such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia/Proscar) are a better option at this point in time. However, future research may reveal Bimatoprost and Latisse as important tools in medical hair restoration.
Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
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Technorati Tags: Latisse, scalp hair, baldness, male pattern baldness, female hair loss, miniaturized, Minoxidil, Rogaine, Finasteride, Propecia/Proscar, Bimatoprost, hair restoration
February 19th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
I read that Lumigan by Allergan (bimatoprost) is in the category of beta blockers which can cause hair loss. Your thoughts?
Lillian toll
ltoll@optonline.net
February 23rd, 2011 at 5:00 am
Lillian,
I am not a doctor but I have seen no evidence to suggest that bimatoprost may cause hair loss. It has been proven to thicken and grow eyelashes and may even be tested to regrow hair on the scalp.
Common side effects of bimatoprost include itchy eyes, redness and skin pigmentation. In rare cases,iris pigmentation can also occur.
David (TakingThePlunge)