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Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05%) is a prescription eye drop option used to increase tear production in keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes).

It belongs to a class of medications known as calcineurin inhibitors, which are thought to work by suppressing the immune system. Because Restasis is administered locally into the eye, it helps to reduce eye swelling (inflammation) and relieve dryness in that area.

As an eye medication for dry eyes, cyclosporine is available by prescription as Restasis (0.05%) emulsion and Cequa (cyclosporine 0.09%) solution. Cyclosporine is also available by prescription as a Verkazia (cyclosporine 0.1%) emulsion for another eye condition called vernal keratoconjunctivitis, a chronic (long-term) severe eye allergy.

Brand Name(s): Restasis

Administration Route: Ophthalmic (eyes)

Therapeutic Classification: Calcineurin inhibitor

Controlled Substance: N/A

Dosage Form(s): Ophthalmic (eye) emulsion

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Restasis to help increase tear production in people with dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Dry eye disease is a common medical condition that can cause the following symptoms:

Restasis' anti-inflammatory effects bring down the inflammation in the eye, often caused by dry eye disease. Eye inflammation is thought to block tear production in people with this condition.

Before using Restasis, let your healthcare provider instruct you on how to take the medication. Carefully read your container's directions and packaging label to ensure you administer the drops correctly.

You will squeeze one drop from the Restasis vial in each eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart. After administering the drops, keep your eyes closed and place pressure on the inside corner of the eye (tear duct). This helps ensure that the medication stays in the eye.

Also, keep the following in mind when using Restasis:

Restasis is packaged in single-use vials. It is also available as a MultiDose container. Keep the medication in a cool, dry place. Generally, it is important to store medication away from areas exposed to high temperatures or humidity, like your kitchen or bathroom. Keep the vials away and out of reach of children and any pets to prevent accidental consumption.

You may see improvement in your dry eye within four to six weeks. This won’t be the case for everyone, though. Achieving maximal effects may take four to six months of use, so be patient and continue to take your medication as prescribed.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

The most common side effects that you may experience with Restasis are:

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects can include the following:

Restasis may cause other side effects. Call your healthcare provider if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your healthcare provider may send a report to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

The dosages of Restasis generally don’t require changes based on your health condition.

However, you may need to modify (change) how you use Restasis based on the following circumstances:

If you miss a dose of Restasis, administer a Restasis drop in each eye as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal schedule.

It is unlikely that you would overdose from Restasis. However, if you accidentally use more drops than prescribed, you may be more likely to experience side effects such as:

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed from or accidentally ingested Restasis, call a healthcare provider or the Poison Control Center (800-222-1222).

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after using Restasis, call 911 immediately.

It is very important that your eye doctor check your or your child's eyes at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or other vision problems. If any of these occur, do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

While applying this medicine, your eyes will probably sting or burn for a short time. This is to be expected.

You should not take Restasis if you have ever had an allergic reaction to cyclosporine or any of the ingredients in Restasis.

Restasis generally does not have many interactions. When used correctly, eye drops do not enter the bloodstream, which reduces the likelihood of drug interactions.

If you have multiple eye medications, don't immediately use one after another. Separate Restasis from other eye medications by at least 15 minutes.

If you have questions or concerns about medication interactions with Restasis, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Other therapies that help improve eye dryness are available, including over-the-counter (OTC) products and prescription eye drops or procedures.

Xiidra works differently than cyclosporine eye medications. It might also work a little faster, with some users noticing an improvement in dry eye symptoms after weeks.

As for the different cyclosporine products, cyclosporine is available as Cequa and Restasis for dry eyes. Compared to Restasis, studies suggest that Cequa might be more effective—with fewer side effects.

This is a list of other options that may be used for dry eyes. It is NOT a list of drugs recommended to take with Restasis. You should always ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Restasis can be relatively expensive if your insurance doesn't cover it, and the cost may vary depending on which pharmacy you get it from. Luckily, a savings program is offered that you may be eligible for.

Dryness in the eyes is commonly caused by swelling, but it can also be caused by other things. Allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, contact lens use, or looking at electronic screens for too long can all contribute to eye dryness.

Having a healthy diet with sufficient vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin D, or omega-3 fatty acids, can help prevent eye dryness. You can also avoid areas with a lot of dust, or wear safety glasses in such places to prevent eye irritation.

Left untreated, dry eye can affect your vision, but it can also increase your risk of infection. One of the functions of tears is to prevent bacterial growth. Increased dryness and decreased tear production can lead to an increased risk of complications.

Dry eye disease can be uncomfortable and irritating to deal with. It's important to take your medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to help ease your symptoms.

In addition to using your Restasis drops, the following are general tips for preventing and relieving eye dryness:

Talk to your healthcare provider if you consistently have dry eyes or if your symptoms do not let up after regular use of your prescribed treatment.

Verywell Health's drug information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before taking any new medication(s). IBM Watson Micromedex provides some of the drug content, as indicated on the page.

The author of this article would like to recognize and thank Chong Yol Gacasan Kim for contributing.

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Food and Drug Administration. Restasis label.

Food and Drug Administration. Cequa label.

Food and Drug Administration. Verkazia label.

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