Comprehensive medication guide to Lumigan including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$50 copay for generic bimatoprost; typically placed at Tier 1–2 on Medicare Part D and most commercial plans; some commercial plans require step therapy with latanoprost first; quantity limits are common.
Estimated Cash Pricing
Brand Lumigan 0.01% costs $200–$300+ per bottle at retail; generic bimatoprost 0.03% averages $67–$274 at retail, with prices as low as $18–$78 with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons for a 30-day supply.
Medfinder Findability Score
78/100
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Lumigan is the brand name for bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, a prescription eye drop used to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Manufactured by Allergan (an AbbVie company), Lumigan was first approved by the FDA in 2001 and has been a first-line glaucoma treatment for over two decades.
Lumigan is classified as a synthetic prostamide analog — a compound that mimics naturally occurring prostamides in the eye to improve aqueous humor drainage. It is available as a 0.01% solution (brand Lumigan) in 2.5 mL, 5 mL, and 7.5 mL bottles, and as generic bimatoprost 0.03% from multiple manufacturers. A cosmetic formulation (Latisse 0.03%) is also FDA-approved for eyelash growth.
In clinical trials, Lumigan 0.01% lowered IOP by up to 7.5 mmHg from a baseline of 23.5 mmHg over 12 months of treatment, representing an approximately 25–30% reduction in intraocular pressure. It is one of the most potent single-agent ophthalmic hypotensives available.
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Lumigan (bimatoprost) lowers intraocular pressure by increasing the outflow of aqueous humor — the clear fluid inside your eye — through two drainage pathways simultaneously: the trabecular meshwork (the eye's primary filter) and the uveoscleral pathway (a secondary route). By improving drainage through both routes, Lumigan reduces fluid buildup and lowers IOP.
Bimatoprost is a synthetic structural analog of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), but unlike other prostaglandin analogs (latanoprost, travoprost), it does not act on the classical prostaglandin F receptor. Instead, it appears to mimic prostamides — a class of lipids with their own distinct bimatoprost-sensitive receptors found throughout ocular tissues including the trabecular meshwork, ciliary muscle, eyelash follicles, and iris melanocytes.
IOP reduction begins approximately 4 hours after the first dose, peaks at 8–12 hours, and is maintained for at least 24 hours — supporting once-daily evening dosing. The drug is well absorbed through the cornea and systemic exposure is negligible at therapeutic doses.
0.01% — ophthalmic solution
Brand Lumigan; 1 drop in affected eye(s) once daily in the evening; available in 2.5 mL, 5 mL, and 7.5 mL bottles
0.03% — ophthalmic solution
Generic bimatoprost; same active ingredient as brand Lumigan at higher concentration; widely available and lower cost; available in 2.5 mL, 5 mL, and 7.5 mL bottles
0.03% — intravitreal implant
Durysta brand; bimatoprost implant injected directly into the eye by a healthcare professional; sustained-release formulation for glaucoma
Lumigan is not on the FDA's official drug shortage list as of 2026. The national supply of bimatoprost is generally intact, with generic 0.03% bimatoprost available from multiple manufacturers and brand Lumigan 0.01% distributed by Allergan. However, patients frequently encounter stocking gaps at the local pharmacy level.
Brand Lumigan 0.01% is less commonly stocked than generic bimatoprost 0.03%. Pharmacies typically carry limited inventory of specialty eye drops, and demand can deplete stock faster than scheduled wholesale deliveries. Insurance prior authorization requirements and specialty pharmacy routing further delay access for some patients.
To find a pharmacy near you with Lumigan in stock, use medfinder — enter your medication, dose, and zip code and medfinder calls pharmacies to check real inventory and texts you results.
Lumigan is a non-controlled prescription medication with no DEA scheduling requirements. Any licensed prescriber with appropriate scope of practice can prescribe it. For initial glaucoma diagnosis and prescribing, an eye care specialist is strongly recommended given the need for intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve assessment, and visual field testing.
Ophthalmologists (MD/DO): Primary prescribers for glaucoma; glaucoma subspecialists for complex cases
Optometrists (OD): Licensed to diagnose and treat glaucoma and prescribe ocular hypotensives in most U.S. states; confirm state-specific scope
Primary care physicians (PCPs): May prescribe for established patients in consultation with an ophthalmologist
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs): Can prescribe within their scope of practice, particularly those practicing in ophthalmology or primary care
Telehealth availability: Lumigan can be prescribed via telehealth for established patients with a recent in-person exam on record. Initial glaucoma diagnosis requires in-person testing (IOP measurement, optic nerve imaging, visual fields) that cannot be performed remotely. Platforms like MDLive and Teladoc may offer telehealth ophthalmology or optometry services for prescription renewals.
No. Lumigan (bimatoprost) is NOT a DEA-scheduled controlled substance. It is a non-controlled prescription medication, which means:
Any licensed prescriber (physician, NP, PA, or optometrist with prescribing authority) can prescribe it
Refills can be authorized without a new in-person visit (though regular IOP monitoring is medically necessary)
Prescriptions can be transmitted electronically or called in to the pharmacy
Telehealth prescribers can prescribe it in most states for established patients
Lumigan is not approved for patients under 16 for glaucoma indications. It does require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and is not available over the counter.
Lumigan is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are ocular and tend to be mild:
Conjunctival hyperemia (eye redness): Most common, occurring in approximately 31% of patients in clinical trials
Eye irritation, stinging, or itching
Eyelash changes: increased length, thickness, darkness, and number (usually reversible upon discontinuation)
Eyelid skin darkening (periorbital hyperpigmentation; may be reversible)
Dry eye, foreign body sensation, headache
Permanent iris pigmentation (brown color change): Gradual darkening of the iris over months to years; likely irreversible even after stopping treatment
Macular edema: Swelling of the central retina; particularly in patients with aphakia or pseudophakia
Uveitis (eye inflammation): May worsen in patients with pre-existing uveitis
Periorbital fat atrophy: Sunken eyelid appearance from loss of periorbital fat tissue (post-marketing report)
Severe allergic reactions: Hives, breathing difficulty, facial swelling — requires immediate medical attention
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Latanoprost (Xalatan)
Most affordable prostaglandin analog; generic widely available at $10–$25/month with GoodRx; lowers IOP 6–8 mmHg; same once-daily evening dosing; first prostaglandin approved for glaucoma (1996).
Travoprost (Travatan Z)
Prostaglandin analog with BAK-free sofZia preservative; good choice for patients with ocular surface sensitivity; comparable IOP reduction to latanoprost; generic available.
Tafluprost (Zioptan)
Preservative-free prostaglandin analog in single-use unit-dose containers; ideal for severe dry eye or preservative sensitivity; slightly less IOP reduction than bimatoprost; generic available.
Timolol (Timoptic)
Non-selective beta-blocker; lowers IOP ~20% by reducing aqueous humor production; inexpensive generic; contraindicated in asthma, COPD, and heart conditions; typically used as add-on therapy.
Prefer Lumigan? We can find it.
Latanoprost (Xalatan)
majorAvoid combining with bimatoprost. Using two or more prostaglandin analogs simultaneously may decrease IOP-lowering effect or paradoxically increase IOP.
Travoprost (Travatan Z)
majorAvoid combining. Combined use of two ophthalmic prostaglandins may decrease effectiveness or cause paradoxical IOP elevation.
Tafluprost (Zioptan)
majorAvoid combining. Same prostaglandin class; combining reduces efficacy.
Latanoprostene bunod (Vyzulta)
majorAvoid combining. Same mechanism; combination not recommended.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, diclofenac)
moderateConflicting reports of altered IOP when prostaglandins are co-administered with NSAIDs (systemic or ophthalmic). Monitor IOP closely in patients using both.
Soft contact lenses
moderateBenzalkonium chloride (BAK) preservative in Lumigan is absorbed by soft contact lenses, causing discoloration and eye irritation. Remove lenses before use; reinsert 15+ minutes after application.
Lumigan (bimatoprost) is one of the most effective first-line treatments for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, with over 20 years of clinical use supporting its efficacy and safety profile. Its once-daily evening dosing, high IOP-lowering efficacy (up to 7.5–9 mmHg), and dual mechanism of action make it a preferred choice for many ophthalmologists when maximum IOP reduction is needed.
Patients and providers should be aware of unique side effects — particularly the permanent iris pigmentation that may occur with long-term use, and the cosmetically significant eyelash changes. Cost can be a barrier, but AbbVie's savings programs and generic bimatoprost with GoodRx coupons can make treatment affordable for most patients.
If you need help finding Lumigan in stock at a pharmacy near you, medfinder calls pharmacies on your behalf and texts you which ones can fill your prescription — saving you time and ensuring you never go without your glaucoma medication.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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