What Careprost Is

Careprost is a brand name of bimatoprost, an ophthalmic solution of a synthetically produced form of prostaglandin, which is a physiologically active natural lipid compound. Bimatoprost is often indicated for the treatment of high pressure inside the eye and associated problems such as glaucoma. But the agent also increases the growth, size, and thickness of eyelashes, which leads to its widespread use in cosmetology for the treatment of hypotrichosis – insufficient hair growth. Therefore, Careprost is first and foremost a cosmetology product aimed at the growth and strengthening of eyelashes. However, the solution may be applied for other off-label purposes. Even though Careprost is a safe drug that does not accumulate in the body, is not characterized by an aggressive influence, and is not likely to trigger a severe systemic impact and severe side effects, the therapy still should be supervised by a doctor, a qualified cosmetologist or another professional healthcare provider.

Recommendations for Use, Dosage, and Overdose

Although Careprost is relatively safe and unlikely to trigger severe reactions, it still should be taken in strict accordance with your doctor’s prescription and recommendations on the label and instructions sheet. Follow all the directions carefully. Do not change the dose of the drug or the treatment duration on your own. If you feel like changes should be made, ask your doctor to estimate the treatment progress and any side effects and make proper adjustments.

Careprost seems to be the most effective when used late in the evening. Therefore, the usual dose is once a day before sleep. However, depending on the condition and its severity of the problem, another dose and interval may be prescribed; follow your doctor’s instructions.

Careprost should not be applied when wearing contact lenses, as it contains a preserving agent that may discolor them. Therefore, you should take them off and wait for at least 15 minutes before the procedure and after using the drug wait at least 15 minutes more before putting them back on.

Wash your hands before applying the drug to avoid infections.

Application procedure:

Tilt your head back slightly. Gently apply the product on the eyelash growth line on the upper eyelid with a special applicator. Do not use the product on your lower eyelid. Do not touch the eye with the applicator, as it may damage the cornea or cause infection, which could result in serious vision problems.

The overall Careprost treatment course is individual and depends on a range of factors, but the first improvements are generally visible after 2 months of the regular use. However, keep in mind that the product triggers temporary effects, so the eyelash growth will come back to normal after you stop the course.

If the solution has changed its color or has visible particles in it, do not use it. Get a new product from a pharmacy.

Inform your doctor about the progress of the treatment, or if you develop any complications, such as eye injury or infection.

If you accidentally forgot to apply Careprost, skip the missed dose and use the drug at the next scheduled time. There is no need to make up for the missed dose with an extra one.

Bimatoprost is hard to overdose, and if it indeed happens, it is not considered to be dangerous.

Precautions and Contraindications

Careprost cannot be used for patients with known allergy to bimatoprost. To make sure Careprost is safe for you, tell your doctor about any history of the following:

• Eye swelling or infection;
• Retinal detachment;
• Surgery or injury affecting the eye lens.

Bimatoprost may occasionally cause a slight change in the color of your eyes, lids, and lashes, usually increasing the brown pigment. These changes are slow and may not be visible for months or years. Sometimes color changes may be irreversible, even after the end of the treatment.

There were no studies conducted as to the effect of bimatoprost on an unborn baby during pregnancy. However, the effect is considered to be negligible since a very low amount of the drug actually penetrates the bloodstream. In any case, you should always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. The same way is not known whether bimatoprost passes into breast milk and can affect the baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Careprost is not intended for patients younger than 16.

Interactions with Other Drugs and Substances

No interaction studies have been conducted for bimatoprost. Interactions with systemic drugs are considered unlikely, since bimatoprost does not reach relevant concentrations in the bloodstream. Bimatoprost may interact with other ophthalmology products, so it might be needed to use the products with a certain interval.

It is unlikely that oral drugs or injections can affect bimatoprost. However, to ensure that your doctor has a full picture, tell him/her about the medications you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter ones, like vitamins and herbal products.

Side Effects

Most common bimatoprost side effects are similar to other prostaglandin analogs. Conjunctival hyperemia occurs in about 10% of patients. Other effects include eye and eyelid redness, blurred vision, burning sensation in the eye or other discomfort, and permanent darkening of the iris to brown. Rare adverse reactions can be headache and nausea (in less than 1% of patients).

Certain side effects are specific to the cosmetic use of the drug, when it is applied to the skin at the base of the eyelash. These can be infection if one-time applicators are reused and change of the eyelid color or area beneath the eye. Studies suggest that wiping the eye with an absorbent pad after the application of the product can help avoid hyperpigmentation in the eyelid.

Get urgent medical help if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to the drug: hives, troubled breathing, swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat.

Stop Careprost treatment and call your doctor immediately if you notice:

• Redness, swelling, severe discomfort, burning, crusting or drainage in the eye. These may be the symptoms of an infection;
• Changes in sight;
• Swollen, red or itchy eyelids.

The list of side effects is not complete, and others may occur.

Keep in Mind

Before the treatment consult your doctor to ensure that the product is safe for you. Do not forget to inform him/her about your medical history, any currently taken drugs or special circumstances: allergies, breastfeeding, pregnancy, etc.

Do not recommend or share the drug with any other person, as their circumstances can be different from yours.

Keep away from children’s reach. Store the drug at a dark ventilated place away from moisture and sunlight. Make sure that the bottle is tightly closed. Do not use the drug after the expiration date and dispose of any unused leftovers.

If you experience any strong side effects, inform your doctor about them immediately.