Medical Information on Bimatoprost

Patient Information: Bimatoprost 0.03%

Prescription-Only Medicine (Unlicensed Use for Hypotrichosis)

Bimatoprost 0.03% is a prescription-only medicine (POM) supplied in the UK for the treatment of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes (inadequate or insufficient eyelashes).

⚠️ Important: Use of Bimatoprost for eyelash growth is an unlicensed (off-label) indication in the UK. It has been prescribed for you following a clinical assessment where your clinician believes the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

This medicine should only be used exactly as directed by a qualified healthcare professional.

What Is Bimatoprost and What Is It Used For?

Bimatoprost belongs to a class of medicines known as prostaglandin analogues.

Although licensed in the UK for certain eye conditions, it is commonly prescribed off-label for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes based on clinical evidence and international use.

Clinical studies have shown that bimatoprost can increase:

    •    Eyelash length

    •    Eyelash thickness

    •    Eyelash darkness

Use on eyebrows or other areas is off-label and will only be advised where clinically appropriate following individual assessment.

How Does It Work?

Bimatoprost works by:

    •    Prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicle

    •    Increasing the proportion of hairs actively growing

    •    Enhancing hair shaft thickness and pigmentation

Improvements occur gradually and depend on consistent, correct application.

How Do I Use This Medicine?

Use once daily, preferably in the evening.

Eyelash application

    •    Remove makeup and contact lenses before use

    •    Apply a very small amount to the upper eyelid margin only, at the base of the eyelashes

    •    Do not apply to the lower eyelid

    •    Avoid excess product to reduce spread to surrounding skin

There is no applicator supplied.

You will be provided with an instructional video demonstrating the correct method of application. Please follow this guidance carefully to reduce the risk of side effects or contamination.

Wash hands thoroughly after application.

Do not apply more than once daily.

When Will I See Results?

Response varies between individuals.

    •    Weeks 4–8: Early changes may be noticed

    •    Weeks 8–16: Gradual improvement in length, thickness, and darkness

    •    After 16 weeks: Maximum response typically achieved

If treatment is stopped, lashes will gradually return to their original appearance over time.

Important Warnings and Precautions

Do not use this medicine if:

    •    You are allergic to bimatoprost or any ingredient

    •    You have an active eye infection, inflammation, or eye injury unless advised by a clinician

Inform your clinician if you:

    •    Have glaucoma or raised intraocular pressure

    •    Have had previous eye surgery

    •    Experience eye pain, persistent irritation, or vision changes

Avoid contact with:

    •    Broken or irritated skin

    •    Other individuals, including pregnant or breastfeeding people, through indirect transfer

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, bimatoprost can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common or mild

    •    Mild eye redness

    •    Itching or irritation of the eyelid

    •    Darkening of the eyelid skin (usually reversible)

Less common but important

    •    Increased brown pigmentation of the iris (very rare with external eyelid use; more commonly associated with eye-drop use inside the eye)

    •    Unwanted hair growth if the solution spreads beyond the treatment area

Stop using the medicine and contact your OptiOptu clinician if you experience:

    •    Persistent eye discomfort

    •    Visual changes

    •    Signs of infection or allergic reaction

Can I Use Makeup and Other Eye Products?

Yes.

Apply bimatoprost first and allow it to fully absorb (approximately 10–15 minutes) before applying makeup or skincare products.

Contact lenses may be reinserted once the product has dried.

How Long Will I Need to Use This Medicine?

Continued use is required to maintain results.

If treatment is discontinued, effects will gradually reverse.

Your clinician will review ongoing use as part of your care.

Storage and Safety Information

    •    Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight

    •    Keep out of reach of children

    •    For external use only

    •    Do not share this medicine

    •    Do not use if the solution becomes cloudy or discoloured

This medicine has been prescribed specifically for you.

It is being used off-label in the UK following clinical assessment.

Evidence-led. Prescriber-guided. Patient-centred care.