Useschronic dry eye
What is Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic) used for?
Restasis® eye drops contain cyclosporine which is an immunosuppressant. Cyclosporine can increase tear production that has been reduced by inflammation in the eye(s).
Restasis® eye drops are used to treat chronic dry eye that may be caused by inflammation.
Restasis® ophthalmic emulsion may also be used for treating eye disease not listed in this medication guide.
How should I take Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic)?
Use Restasis® eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use the eye drops in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
The usual dose is 1 drop in each eye twice daily. Use Restasis® eye drops every 12 hours (approximately).
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
- Turn the bottle upside down a few times to gently mix the medicine. Restasis® eye drops should appear white in color.
- Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
- Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
- Wait at least 15 minutes before using artificial tears, or any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Each single-use bottle of Restasis® is for one use only (in one or both eyes). Throw away the bottle after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it.
How do I store Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic)?
Restasis® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Restasis® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Restasis® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush Restasis® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic)?
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
- You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.
- You have allergy with any of active or inactive ingredients of Restasis® or other medications.
- You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Restasis® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Restasis®. Restasis® is pregnancy risk category C, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:
- A=No risk
- B=No risk in some studies
- C=There may be some risk
- D=Positive evidence of risk
- X=Contraindicated
- N=Unknown
Side effects
What side effects can occur from Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Restasis®: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
- Eye pain
- Eye swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage (may be signs of infection)
Common side effects may include:
- Mild burning or stinging in the eyes
- Mild redness or itching
- Blurred vision
- Feeling like something is in your eye
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions
What drugs may interact with Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic)?
Restasis® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.
Does food or alcohol interact with Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic)?
Restasis® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic)?
Restasis® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using this Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic).
What is the dose of Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic) for an adult?
Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca:
1 drop 2 times a day in each eye approximately 12 hours apart
What is the dose of Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic) for a child?
The dosage has not been established in pediatric patients. It may be unsafe for your child. It is always important to fully understand the safety of the drug before using. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How is Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic) available?
Restasis® is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
- Ophthalmic emulsion: cyclosporine 0.5mg in 1mL
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to your nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Restasis®, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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