✓ Medically reviewed by · Last reviewed: May 2026
Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience
Pharmacy researcher with 8 years reviewing clinical drug information, generic formulation equivalence, and international pharmaceutical standards. Focuses on patient-facing accuracy in medication education.
Quick Answer
- Careprost contains bimatoprost 0.03% — the same active ingredient as Latisse, the FDA-approved eyelash growth serum, at roughly 1/10th the price.
- Apply one drop to the base of the upper eyelid nightly. Results visible in 4–8 weeks; full growth at 12–16 weeks.
- Also used as a prescription glaucoma eye drop — the lash-growth effect was discovered when glaucoma patients reported dramatically thicker lashes as a side effect.
- Available at MedsBase without a prescription. Manufactured by Sun Pharma, one of the world’s top 5 generic pharmaceutical companies.
What Is Careprost?
Careprost is Sun Pharmaceutical Industries’ brand of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%. It is a synthetic prostaglandin analogue originally developed to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Its remarkable side effect — dramatically thickening, lengthening, and darkening eyelashes — led Allergan (now AbbVie) to reformulate and rebrand it as Latisse at approximately 10× the price.
Pharmacologically, Careprost and Latisse are identical. The active molecule (bimatoprost), concentration (0.03%), and application method are the same. The difference is manufacturer, packaging, and price.
Careprost vs Latisse: Direct Comparison
| Feature | Careprost | Latisse |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Bimatoprost 0.03% | Bimatoprost 0.03% |
| Manufacturer | Sun Pharma (India, WHO-GMP) | AbbVie (USA) |
| Volume | 3ml | 3ml or 5ml |
| Price (3ml) | ~$10–15 | $150–200 (US retail) |
| Prescription required | No (at MedsBase) | Yes (US) |
| Clinical evidence | Identical — same molecule | FDA-approved for hypotrichosis |
How Bimatoprost Grows Eyelashes
Bimatoprost extends the anagen (growth) phase of the eyelash hair cycle. Hair follicles cycle through growth → transition → rest phases. Bimatoprost binds to prostamide receptors in the follicle, signalling cells to stay in the growth phase longer. The result is:
- Length — lashes grow 25% longer on average in clinical trials
- Thickness — follicle diameter increases, producing visibly fuller lashes
- Darkness — increased melanin production in the follicle deepens lash colour
How to Apply Careprost (Step-by-Step)
- Remove contact lenses — reinsert after 15 minutes.
- Cleanse face and remove all eye makeup.
- Using the provided applicator brush (or a clean fine-tipped liner brush), apply one drop of Careprost to the brush.
- Stroke once along the base of the upper eyelid — from inner to outer corner, where the lashes meet the skin. Do NOT apply to the lower lid.
- Blot any excess that runs onto the cheek immediately — bimatoprost can cause hair growth wherever it contacts skin.
- Repeat nightly. After 16 weeks, many users maintain results with every-other-night or twice-weekly application.
Careprost Before and After — What to Expect Week by Week
| Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | No visible change — bimatoprost is extending anagen phase at the follicle level |
| Weeks 4–8 | Lashes appear slightly longer and darker; some report reduced shedding |
| Weeks 8–12 | Clearly visible lengthening and thickening — the change that impresses most users |
| Weeks 12–16 | Full effect — average 25% length increase, noticeable density improvement |
Maintenance: If you stop using Careprost, lashes gradually return to their natural state over 4–8 weeks as follicles revert to normal cycling. This is not a sign of damage — it’s the drug’s effect wearing off normally.
Careprost for Glaucoma
Bimatoprost is also a first-line treatment for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Used as an eye drop (one drop in the affected eye nightly), it lowers intraocular pressure by increasing fluid drainage from the eye. At MedsBase, Careprost is available both as the standard formulation and as Bimat Eye Drop — the same molecule in a slightly different presentation.
Side Effects
- Eye redness / mild irritation — common on first use, usually resolves within a week
- Skin darkening at application site — reversible; prevented by precise application and blotting excess
- Iris pigmentation change — rare and only relevant when used as a glaucoma drop (direct eye contact); not typically seen with eyelash use
- Periorbital fat loss — prostaglandin class effect with prolonged direct eye use; not seen with the small dose used for lash serum application
Which Careprost Product to Choose at MedsBase
- Careprost 3ml — standard formulation, ideal for lash growth; comes with applicator brushes
- Careprost with Brush — includes precision brush applicator included in the pack
- Careprost Plus — bimatoprost + timolol maleate; for glaucoma patients needing additional IOP reduction
- Bimat Eye Drop — same bimatoprost 0.03%, alternative brand by Ajanta Pharma
🛡️ Reshipment Assurance: Every MedsBase order is covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy — if your parcel doesn’t arrive, we reship at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Careprost the same as Latisse?
Pharmacologically, yes. Both contain bimatoprost 0.03%. Latisse is AbbVie’s branded version sold by prescription in the US at $150–200 per 3ml. Careprost is Sun Pharma’s generic equivalent at approximately $10–15, manufactured to WHO-GMP standards. The lash growth results are identical.
How long does one 3ml bottle of Careprost last?
With nightly application to both upper lids, one bottle typically lasts 4–6 weeks. For maintenance dosing (every other night), it lasts 8–12 weeks.
Can I use Careprost on my eyebrows?
Many people do. Bimatoprost has been used off-label for eyebrow growth with similar mechanisms to lash growth. Apply with a fine brush to sparse areas. Results are less consistent than for lashes, as eyebrow follicle biology differs slightly, but many users report noticeable improvement at 8–12 weeks.
Does Careprost permanently change eyelash growth?
No — the effect is sustained only with continued use. When you stop, lashes return to their natural length and density over 4–8 weeks. The follicle is not permanently altered.
Can I use Careprost with eyelash extensions?
Yes. Many extension wearers use Careprost to strengthen their natural lashes, making them better able to hold extensions. Apply to the skin at the lash base, not to the extensions themselves.
What’s the difference between Careprost and Bimat?
Both are bimatoprost 0.03% — same molecule, same concentration. Careprost is manufactured by Sun Pharma; Bimat is manufactured by Ajanta Pharma. Both are WHO-GMP certified Indian pharmaceutical companies. Clinical effect is identical; choose whichever is in stock.
Written by
Sophie ChenPharmaceutical Content Researcher · 8 years experience
Sophie Chen is a pharmaceutical content researcher with 8 years covering generic medication access and clinical pharmacology. She specialises in international regulatory frameworks, bioequivalence standards, and patient-facing education on therapeutic drug classes. She is not a clinician.