Bimatoprost 0.03% for the Treatment of Eyelash Hypotrichosis: A Pooled Safety Analysis of Six Randomized, Double-masked Clinical Trials.

objectiveDescribe the safety profile of bimatoprost 0.03% ophthalmic solution as once-daily topical treatment for idiopathic or chemotherapy-induced eyelash hypotrichosis.

designPooled data from six randomized, multicenter, double-masked, parallel-group clinical studies of at least three-months' duration with at least one bimatoprost treatment group.

settingStudy sites in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Japan from 2007 to 2012.

participantsAdults with eyelash hypotrichosis, defined as baseline Global Eyelash Assessment of minimal or moderate, who received bimatoprost 0.03% (n=680) or vehicle, with no prior exposure to bimatoprost (n=379). MEASUREMENTS: Safety assessments included adverse events, vital sign measurements, and physical examinations. Common (≥2%) and treatment-related adverse events were analyzed at time points up to four months and through end of treatment, up to 12 months.

resultsSimilar overall adverse events incidence was reported in bimatoprost and vehicle groups for subjects with idiopathic hypotrichosis; a higher incidence in both groups was reported for postchemotherapy subjects. Common adverse events included conjunctival hyperemia, eyelid pruritus, blepharal pigmentation, nasopharyngitis, eyelid erythema, and punctate keratitis. Most adverse events occurred early in treatment, were mild in intensity, localized to treatment site, and reversible with treatment cessation. Discontinuations due to adverse events were low (3.2% for bimatoprost and 2.4% for vehicle).

conclusionAdverse events were consistent with the known pharmacologic mechanism of bimatoprost. The safety profile was similar across the studies and no new safety signals were observed. Once-daily bimatoprost 0.03% for treatment of eyelid hypotrichosis has a favorable safety and tolerability profile when applied topically to the upper eyelid margin.