Restasis Overview

Is Restasis used for chronic dry eye?

Restasis is prescribed to treat chronic (long-term) dry eye in adults and children ages 16 years and older.

With chronic dry eye, your eyes don’t make enough tears. Or the tears they make don’t work well enough at keeping moisture in your eyes. This condition is believed to be caused by inflammation (swelling and damage) affecting the ability of your eyes to make tears.

It’s not fully understood how Restasis works to treat dry eye. But it’s thought that reducing inflammation in your eyes helps improve their ability to produce and maintain tears.

What are Restasis’s side effects?

Like most drugs, Restasis may cause mild to serious side effects. The lists that follow include some of the more common side effects the drug may cause. But they don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• your age
• other health conditions you have
• other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Restasis. They can also suggest ways to help reduce them.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects Restasis can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read the drug’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Restasis that have been reported include:

• feeling as if something is in your eye
• blurry vision
• eye pain
• watery eyes
• burning sensation in the eye
• itchy eye
• red eye

For more information about burning sensation in the eye, itchy eye, and red eye, see the “Side effect focus” section later in this article.

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Restasis can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Restasis, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Restasis may cause an allergic reaction. Note that this side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Restasis. But there were reports of people experiencing this side effect since the drug was approved for use. Allergic reaction is discussed in more detail in the “Side effect focus” section that follows.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects Restasis may cause.

Burning sensation in the eye

You may experience a burning sensation in your eyes after using Restasis eye drops. This was the most common side effect reported in studies of the drug. This side effect should be temporary and usually goes away within a few minutes.

What might help

Be careful not to touch the Restasis container tip to your eye. This can help prevent eye injury, as well as burning sensations.

In addition, it’s best not to touch the container tip to another surface, such as a countertop. This helps keep the Restasis tip free of germs or other particles, such as dust. These could cause a burning sensation if they get into your eye.

Let your doctor know if you have burning eyes that bother you or if the burning doesn’t go away after using Restasis. Your doctor may recommend ways to treat this side effect. Or they may suggest you stop using Restasis and try a different treatment instead.

Itchy eye

Itchy eye is a possible side effect of Restasis eye drops, but it wasn’t common in the drug’s studies.

What might help

Be careful not to touch the Restasis container tip to your eye. This can help prevent eye irritation, such as itching. Also avoid touching the container tip to another surface to help prevent contamination, which could also cause eye itching.

Talk with your doctor if your eyes itch after you use Restasis eye drops. They may recommend ways to treat this side effect. Or they may suggest you stop using Restasis and try a different treatment option.

Red eye

Red eye is a possible side effect of Restasis eye drops. But this side effect wasn’t common in the drug’s studies.

What might help

Be careful not to touch the Restasis container tip to your eye. This can help prevent eye irritation, including red eye. Also avoid touching the container tip to another surface to help prevent contamination, which could also cause eye redness.

Call your doctor if your eyes become red after using Restasis eye drops. They can recommend ways to treat this side effect. Or they may suggest you stop using Restasis and try a different treatment option instead.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Restasis. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of Restasis but has occurred since the drug was approved for use.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, discoloration, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Restasis. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

What should I know about Restasis vs. Xiidra?

You may wonder how Restasis compares with other drugs for chronic (long-term) dry eye, such as Xiidra. To learn how these drugs are alike and different, check out this comparison of Xiidra with Restasis.

Your doctor can also tell you more about these treatment options.

How much does Restasis cost?

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.

Restasis is available as generic cyclosporine eye drops. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. Talk with your doctor if you’d like information about using generic cyclosporine eye drops.

Cost information and savings coupons

You can visit Optum Perks to get price estimates of what you’d pay for Restasis when using coupons from the site. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.)

If you have questions about the price of Restasis and how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the drug manufacturer’s website to see if it has support options.

Learn more about how to save money on prescriptions.

What are some frequently asked questions about Restasis?

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Restasis.

Are there alternatives, including homeopathic alternatives, for Restasis?

Yes, there are alternatives for Restasis, including homeopathic alternatives.

“Homeopathic” refers to homeopathy, a treatment philosophy developed more than 200 years ago. It’s based in part on the “law of minimum dose.” This is the belief that medications are more effective at lower doses.

Homeopathic treatments are often made of low doses of plant, animal, or mineral products. An example of a homeopathic treatment for chronic (long-term) dry eye is the herb eyebright (Euphrasia). But there is little to no evidence supporting the use of homeopathy for treating any medical condition, including chronic dry eye.

Homeopathy should not be used to replace conventional treatments shown to work. It should also not be used as a reason to postpone or avoid contacting a healthcare professional about a medical concern.

Other alternatives that are effective for managing chronic dry eye include:

• cyclosporine 0.09% (Cequa)
• dextran/hypromellose (Bion Tears)
• lifitegrast (Xiidra)
• loteprednol etabonate (Lotemax, others)
• polyethylene glycol/propylene glycol (Systane)

Some of these alternatives are available over the counter (OTC). But before you try any OTC treatments, ask your doctor whether it’s safe for you to do so.

Other treatments for chronic dry eye include:

• punctal plugs (tiny tubes placed into your tear ducts that help tears stay in your eyes)
• cleansing your eye area with diluted baby shampoo

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like to learn more about alternatives for Restasis.

Will I have withdrawal symptoms if I stop using Restasis?

No, withdrawal symptoms aren’t likely if you stop using Restasis. (Withdrawal symptoms are symptoms that happen as a result of stopping a medication.)

But if you stop using Restasis, your dry eye symptoms may return. This may be prevented by using a different treatment for chronic dry eye.

For this reason, you should talk with your doctor if you’re interested in stopping Restasis treatment. They can discuss other treatment options with you.

Does Restasis need to be refrigerated?

No, Restasis doesn’t need to be refrigerated. The storage temperature for Restasis is 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C).

Can Restasis cause hair loss, cancer, or headaches?

No, Restasis isn’t known to cause hair loss, cancer, or headaches. These side effects weren’t reported by people who used Restasis in studies.

This drug contains cyclosporine as its active ingredient. (This is the ingredient that makes the drug work.) Restasis comes in the form of eye drops. When cyclosporine is used in this form, it isn’t expected to affect the rest of your body.

But when cyclosporine has been taken in other ways, such as a capsule that’s swallowed, it has caused headaches as a side effect. And there are rare reports of new cancers occurring in people taking cyclosporine as a capsule or liquid solution by mouth.

When a medication is taken as a capsule or liquid solution, it can cause effects throughout your body. But these side effects haven’t been reported with cyclosporine eye drops such as Restasis.

Does Restasis cause high blood pressure?

No, Restasis isn’t known to cause high blood pressure. This wasn’t a side effect reported by people who used the drug in studies.

Restasis contains cyclosporine as its active ingredient. (This is the ingredient that makes the drug work.) Restasis contains cyclosporine as an eye drop. When cyclosporine is used as an eye drop, it isn’t expected to affect the rest of your body.

But when this medication is taken as a capsule or liquid solution, it can cause effects throughout your body. Cyclosporine has caused high blood pressure as a side effect when it’s taken this way. But cyclosporine eye drops, such as Restasis, aren’t known to cause high blood pressure.

Is Restasis used for blepharitis?

Restasis isn’t approved to treat blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), but it may be used off-label for this condition. (With off-label use, a drug is prescribed for a condition it isn’t approved to treat.)

Blepharitis causes symptoms including:

• itchy or swollen eyelids
• a burning sensation in your eye
• sensitivity to light

If you’re interested in learning more about off-label uses of Restasis, such as for blepharitis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What is Restasis’s dosage?

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Restasis that’s right for you. This section discusses commonly prescribed dosages, but always use the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strength

Restasis comes as an emulsion (an oily, liquid mixture) that you use as an eye drop. It comes in one strength: 0.5 milligrams per milliliter of solution (mg/mL). This strength can also be written as 0.05%.

Recommended dosage

For treating chronic (long-term) dry eye, you’ll apply one Restasis drop to each eye twice per day. These doses should be applied about 12 hours apart. But be sure to follow your doctor’s dosing instructions.

Questions about Restasis’s dosage

Here are some common questions about Restasis and dosage.

• What if I miss a dose of Restasis? If you miss a Restasis dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you’ve missed. Then apply your next dose of eye drops at the scheduled time. Do not use more than one Restasis drop in each eye for each dose.
• Will I need to use Restasis long term? You’ll likely use Restasis long term if you and your doctor agree that it’s safe and working well for you.
• How many drops of Restasis do I use in each eye? You’ll use one drop of Restasis in each eye, likely twice per day. But always use the dose your doctor prescribes for you.
• How long does it take Restasis to work? Restasis may take 4 to 6 months to relieve symptoms of dry eye. But some people have symptom relief in about a month.

What should I know about Restasis vs. Restasis MultiDose?

Restasis and Restasis MultiDose are basically the same medication. They’re both prescribed to treat chronic (long-term) dry eye in adults and some older children. Both contain cyclosporine as the active ingredient. (This is the ingredient that makes a drug work.)

The only difference is that Restasis comes in single-use vials, while Restasis MultiDose comes in a bottle containing multiple doses.

To find out more about how Restasis and Restasis MultiDose compare, see the “Restasis vs. Restasis MultiDose” section in this Restasis overview or talk with your doctor.

How is Restasis used?

Your doctor will explain how you should use Restasis. They’ll also explain how much to use and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Using Restasis

Restasis comes as an emulsion (an oily, liquid mixture) that is administered as an eye drop.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before putting Restasis in your eyes. And wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in after giving yourself a dose.

If you need tips for applying eye drops, check out this article on how to use eyedrops.

Accessible medication containers and labels

If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies provide medication labels that:

• have large print
• use braille
• contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change text into audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Using Restasis with other drugs

Depending on your dry eye symptoms, your doctor may prescribe Restasis alone or for use with other drugs.

Using other eye drops with Restasis

Your doctor may suggest using other eye drops along with Restasis. If you’d like to know more, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether you’ll need other eye drops and how they should be used together with Restasis.

In studies, some people used Restasis along with other anti-inflammatory eye drops. It’s important to note that these people did not see an increase in tear production while using Restasis. For this reason, your doctor may recommend that you avoid anti-inflammatory eye drops while using Restasis. Examples include:

• loteprednol (Alrex, Eysuvis, Lotemax, others)
• dexamethasone (Maxidex)

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Restasis and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

• Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
  • How will Restasis affect me?
• Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
• If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

What should be considered before using Restasis?

There are important things you should discuss with your doctor before starting treatment with Restasis. It’s important to tell them about your overall health, any medical conditions you may have, and any medications you take.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Restasis isn’t known to interact with other medications. But you should still tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter kinds, before you start Restasis. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can use this information to monitor for any new drug interactions that may be discovered while you’re using Restasis.

Warnings

Restasis may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. (Conditions or factors that could prevent your doctor from prescribing a drug are known as contraindications.) Talk with your doctor about your health history before you use Restasis. Factors to consider include:

Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses usually isn’t recommended if you have chronic (long-term) dry eye. Contacts need moisture to function correctly and may not work well in people with dry eye. If you do wear contacts, it’s important to take them out before putting Restasis drops in your eyes. And you’ll need to wait at least 15 minutes after applying the drops before putting contact lenses in.

Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Restasis or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them what other medications might be better options.

Restasis and alcohol

Alcohol isn’t known to interact with Restasis eye drop treatment. If you have questions about consuming alcohol while using Restasis, talk with your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It should be safe to use Restasis during pregnancy. Because Restasis is an eye drop, your body doesn’t absorb the medication. It’s only expected to affect your eyes. Your doctor can discuss the safety of using Restasis during pregnancy with you.

It’s not known whether it’s safe to breastfeed while using Restasis. But because the drug is not expected to be absorbed by the rest of your body, it’s unlikely that it would cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before using Restasis.

What should be done in case of overdose?

Do not use more Restasis than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you use too much Restasis

Call your doctor if you think you’ve used too much Restasis. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.