What Is Bimatoprost?

Bimatoprost is a prescription prostaglandin analog (prostamide) eye medication used to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and to grow longer, thicker eyelashes in people with hypotrichosis.

It's manufactured by AbbVie (formerly Allergan) and available under several brand names: Lumigan (for glaucoma), Latisse (for eyelash growth), and Durysta (an in-office implant for glaucoma). Generic versions of Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution are also widely available.

Bimatoprost was first approved by the FDA in 2001 for glaucoma treatment. The eyelash growth indication was approved in 2008, and the Durysta implant received approval in 2020. It is not a controlled substance.

What Is Bimatoprost Used For?

FDA-Approved Uses

• Open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension — Bimatoprost (Lumigan 0.01%) lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) to help prevent optic nerve damage and vision loss. It's one of the most effective classes of IOP-lowering medications.
• Hypotrichosis (inadequate eyelashes) — Bimatoprost 0.03% (Latisse) is the only FDA-approved treatment to grow longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes.
• Sustained-release glaucoma treatment — The Durysta implant (Bimatoprost 10 mcg) is placed inside the eye by an ophthalmologist and slowly releases medication over time, eliminating the need for daily drops.

Off-Label Uses

Some doctors prescribe Bimatoprost off-label for:

• Alopecia areata affecting eyebrows or eyelashes
• Chemotherapy-induced eyelash loss
• Cosmetic eyelash enhancement beyond clinical hypotrichosis

How Is Bimatoprost Taken?

How you use Bimatoprost depends on which formulation you're prescribed:

For Glaucoma (Lumigan 0.01%)

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket
3. Instill one drop into the affected eye(s)
4. Close your eye gently for 1 to 2 minutes — don't blink or rub
5. Wipe away any excess solution from your skin

Use it once daily in the evening. If you use other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between each one. Remove contact lenses before applying and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in.

For Eyelash Growth (Latisse 0.03%)

1. Make sure your face is clean and makeup is removed
2. Place one drop of Bimatoprost on the disposable applicator
3. Draw the applicator carefully across the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes
4. Use a new applicator for the other eye
5. Blot any excess solution beyond the eyelid margin

Apply once nightly. Do not apply to the lower eyelid — Bimatoprost will naturally reach the lower lashes through blinking. Results typically appear after 2 months of consistent use, with full effect at 4 months.

Durysta Implant

Durysta is a tiny biodegradable implant that your ophthalmologist places in the anterior chamber of your eye during a brief in-office procedure. It slowly releases Bimatoprost over time and dissolves on its own. You don't need to do anything at home — no drops required.

Who Should Not Take Bimatoprost?

Bimatoprost is not right for everyone. You should not use it if you have:

• An allergy to Bimatoprost or any ingredient in the formulation
• Active eye inflammation (uveitis) — specifically for the Durysta implant
• Certain lens conditions — aphakic patients or pseudophakic patients with a torn posterior lens capsule should not receive the Durysta implant
• Risk factors for macular edema — patients at elevated risk should use Bimatoprost with caution

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Bimatoprost is Pregnancy Category C and should only be used if the benefit outweighs the potential risk.

For a complete list of side effects and risks, see our Bimatoprost side effects guide. For information on drug interactions, check our Bimatoprost drug interactions guide.

How Much Does Bimatoprost Cost?

Bimatoprost prices vary significantly depending on whether you get brand or generic, and whether you have insurance:

• Generic Bimatoprost (with discount card) — As low as $0.87 through GoodRx or similar services
• Generic Bimatoprost (cash price, no coupons) — Typically $50 to $120 per bottle
• Brand Lumigan — $200 to $300+ per bottle
• Brand Latisse — $120 to $180 for a 3 mL bottle (generally not covered by insurance)

Insurance coverage: Generic Bimatoprost for glaucoma is covered by most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D. Brand Lumigan may require prior authorization or trying the generic first. Latisse for cosmetic use is typically not covered.

AbbVie offers a co-pay savings program for commercially insured patients using Lumigan, providing up to $2,640 per year in co-pay assistance. An Allergan Patient Assistance Program is also available for uninsured or underinsured patients who meet income requirements.

For a complete breakdown of how to reduce your costs, see our guide to saving money on Bimatoprost.

Final Thoughts

Bimatoprost is a well-established medication with over two decades of use for glaucoma and nearly two decades for eyelash growth. Whether you're using the daily eye drops or the newer Durysta implant, it's important to use it exactly as prescribed and follow up regularly with your eye doctor.

If you need help finding Bimatoprost in stock at a pharmacy near you, Medfinder can help you locate availability quickly. And if you're looking for a prescribing doctor, check out our guide to finding a Bimatoprost provider.