Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion

Restasis 

Restasis is a prescription eye drop designed to treat chronic dry eye syndrome, specifically when associated with ocular inflammation known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This medication helps increase the eye’s natural ability to produce tears by inhibiting the immune cells responsible for inflammation. Restasis can relieve eye irritation, burning, and grittiness, enhancing comfort and eye health. In a 0.05% cyclosporine solution, Restasis comes in preservative-free, single-use vials that ensure sterility and minimize potential irritation. Each vial is intended for one-time use in both eyes. The recommended application is one drop per eye, about 12 hours apart, twice daily. It is crucial to maintain consistent use, as improvements typically take several months to manifest. Patients are advised to remove contact lenses before application and wait 15 minutes before reinserting them. Restasis offers a clinically proven solution for those struggling with dry eyes, providing significant relief and improving daily eye function.

Product Overview

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is a prescription eye drop specifically made to treat chronic dry eye syndrome, often caused by inflammation that affects the eye’s ability to produce tears. Cyclosporine, the active ingredient in Restasis, is an immunomodulator that targets the underlying inflammation by inhibiting T-cells responsible for the immune response that can lead to dry eyes. This medication is especially beneficial for patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Restasis increases the eye’s natural ability to produce tears, which are necessary for lubrication and protection of the eye surface. Regular application of Restasis can help alleviate the discomfort of dry eyes, such as irritation, burning, and a sensation of grittiness.

Restasis is available as a 0.05% cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion in single-use vials, ensuring sterility and ease of use. Each vial contains enough emulsion for one application in both eyes, and the packaging is preservative-free to minimize irritation. The recommended dosage is one drop in both eyes twice daily, about 12 hours apart, and consistent daily use is crucial as improvements in tear production may take several months to become noticeable. The medication should be administered with clean hands, and care must be taken to avoid contaminating the vial tip. Contact lenses should be removed before application & may be reinserted after a 15-minute wait to ensure complete absorption of the medication.

Patients considering Restasis should discuss their conditions and treatment options with their healthcare provider. As with any medication, potential side effects such as eye infections, severe allergic reactions, or worsening eye inflammation should be monitored. Restasis offers a reliable solution for managing chronic dry eye symptoms, improving the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.

What Are the Uses of Restasis?

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is used for:

• Increasing Tear Production
• Chronic Dry Eye Treatment
• Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Restasis?

Restasis is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Ophthalmic Emulsion: 0.05% cyclosporine solution.
• Single-Use Vials: Packaged in preservative-free, single-use vials to ensure sterility and prevent contamination. Each vial contains enough emulsion for one application to both eyes.

What Are the Recommended Dosage of Restasis?

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is specifically indicated for increasing tear production in patients with ocular inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome and does not have applications or dosages related to conditions such as schizophrenia. Below is the recommended dosage specifically for its indicated use:

• Dosage for Dry Eye Syndrome:

• • Initial Dosage: Apply one drop of Restasis 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion in each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
  • Maintenance Dosage: Continue with one drop in each eye twice daily. Regular usage is crucial as improvement in tear production may not be observed until 3 to 6 months of twice-daily administration.
  • Maximum Dosage: The standard dosage of one drop in each eye twice a day should not be exceeded.

[Note: Remember, these recommendations vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll tailor your dosage accordingly.]

How to Use Restasis? 

To use Restasis eye drops correctly, follow these detailed steps as your doctor prescribes. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.

• • Dosage: Typically, one drop in each eye, twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart, is recommended.
  • Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands before applying eye drops to prevent contamination.
  • Mix the Medication: Gently invert the bottle a few times to mix the medication. Restasis should appear white.

• Administer the Drops:

• • • Tilt your head slightly & pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
    • Hold the Restasis dropper above the eye, with the tip facing downward. Look up and away from the dropper.
    • Squeeze to release one drop into the eye.

• After Application:

• • • Close your eyes for 2 to 3 minutes, tipping your head down without blinking or squinting.
    • To prevent the medicine from draining away, gently press your finger against the inside corner of your eye for about 1 minute.

• Post-Application Care:
• • Wait at least 15 minutes before applying other eye medications or artificial tears.
  • Avoid touching or letting the dropper tip contact your eye directly to prevent infection.
  • Do not use the eye drops if the solution changes color or becomes cloudy.
• Handling Single-Use Bottles: Each single-use bottle is intended for one use only, for one or both eyes. Discard the bottle after application, even if there is leftover solution.

[Note: Your doctor will decide the appropriate amount of Restasis for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Restasis Work?

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) enhances tear production in individuals with dry eye disease, often caused by inflammation. Cyclosporine, the active ingredient in Restasis, is an immunomodulator that inhibits the activity of specific immune cells (T-cells) responsible for inflammation. Restasis reduces ocular inflammation and allows the tear glands to function more effectively, increasing natural tear production. This alleviates dry eye symptoms, such as irritation and discomfort, and helps prevent further damage to the eye’s surface. The medication is typically used when tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Important Safety Information for Using Restasis

What Are the Side Effects of Restasis?

Common side effects of Restasis

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is a prescription eye drop used in the treatment of chronic dry eye by raising tear production. Here are the common side effects associated with its use:

• Burning sensation in the eyes
• Stinging or itching of the eyes
• Redness of the eyes
• Eye pain
• Foreign body sensation (feeling like something is in your eye)
• Blurred vision
• Discharge from the eye
• Excessive tearing
• Eye irritation
• Eyelid swelling
• Headache (less common)
• Sinus pain or pressure (less common)

Serious side effects of Restasis

While generally safe, Restasis can occasionally cause serious side effects, which are essential to be aware of:

• Eye Infections: Because Restasis affects immune function in the eye, there’s a potential risk for developing eye infections. It’s crucial to observe strict hygiene when applying the drops and to monitor for signs of infection.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some patients may experience severe allergic reactions to Restasis’s ingredients. Symptoms could include swelling, severe redness, pain, or eye itching.
• Worsening of Eye Inflammation: In some cases, patients may experience increased eye redness or discomfort, possibly worsening underlying inflammation or irritation.
• Vision Changes: Some users report changes in their vision, including blurring or other visual disturbances. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to contact a healthcare provider.
• Potential for Eye Injury and Contamination: If the Restasis containers become damaged or the emulsion becomes contaminated (e.g., from touching the tip to the eye or other surfaces), there is a risk of eye injury or infection.

[Note: Remember, this list does not cover all possible side effects of Restasis. Always consult with your healthcare expert regarding medical advice about side effects.]

Are There Any Warnings for Restasis? 

• Eye Injury or Infection: Ensure the tip of the Restasis bottle does not contact your eye, eyelids, fingers, or any other surfaces. Contamination of the dropper can lead to serious eye infections and potential vision loss. Always handle Restasis with clean hands and avoid touching the dropper tip to maintain sterility.
• Use with Contact Lenses: Restasis should not be applied while wearing contact lenses. Remove your lenses before administering the drops to prevent any interactions. Wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting your contact lenses. This precaution helps avoid any discomfort or potential effects on the effectiveness of the medication.

What Are the Restasis Precautions?

When using Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion), practicing several precautions is essential to ensure safe & effective treatment of dry eye symptoms. Here are the vital precautions to consider:

• Sterility and Usage: Each vial of Restasis is for single use only and should be discarded immediately after use to prevent infection. Ensure the vial’s tip does not touch the eye or other surfaces.
• Contact Lens Wearers: Contact lenses should be removed before applying Restasis and may be reinserted after waiting at least 15 minutes post-application. This allows the medicine to be absorbed properly without interference from the lenses.
• Allergic Reactions: If you notice severe allergic reactions, such as eye swelling, redness, or severe discomfort, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention. Be aware of any personal or known allergies to cyclosporine or formulation components.
• Infection Signs: Watch for signs of eye infection, including unusual pain, redness, or irritation, and consult your healthcare provider if these symptoms occur.
• Proper Application: Administer Restasis correctly by gently squeezing the vial to release one drop into each eye, avoiding contamination of the vial tip.
• Consistency in Treatment: Regular, consistent use of Restasis as prescribed is necessary to achieve the potential benefits. Improvement in tear production may take several months to be noticeable.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your medical expert if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of Restasis in these conditions has not been fully established.
• Delayed Effectiveness: Be patient with the results. Restasis often takes a few months to demonstrate its effectiveness in increasing tear production.

What Are the Contraindications of Restasis? 

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) has specific contraindications that should be noted before initiating treatment to ensure its safe and effective use:

• Allergy to Cyclosporine or Any Component of the Formulation: Patients with known hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or any ingredients in Restasis should not use the medication. This includes any history of severe allergic reactions related to cyclosporine, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Active Ocular Infections: Restasis should not be used by patients who currently have active ocular infections. Since Restasis can affect the immune response in the eye, using it during an active infection could worsen it.

What If You Missed a Dose of Restasis?

If you miss a dose of Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion), you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose of Restasis, skip the missed dose & continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for the missed one. Consistency is key in treating dry eye with Restasis, as it helps maintain the appropriate medication levels for effectiveness. Consider setting reminders or alarms to help remember to administer Restasis as prescribed.

[Note: If you find that you are frequently missing doses, discuss this with your healthcare provider to explore possible solutions or adjustments to your treatment regimen.]

What Happens If You Take Too Much of Restasis?

Taking too much Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is unlikely to cause severe systemic health issues because it is used topically in the eyes and absorbed locally. However, excessive use can increase side effects in and around the eye area. Possible impacts of overuse include:

• Increased Eye Discomfort: You might experience more irritation, burning, or stinging in the eyes than usual.
• Excessive Tearing: Over-application might result in watery eyes.
• Eye Redness or Swelling: The eyes may appear redder or feel swollen due to the excess medication.

[Note: If you suspect you have applied too much Restasis, rinse your eyes gently with lukewarm water. If discomfort or irritation persists, or if you have significant concerns about the effects of overuse, it’s essential to contact your healthcare provider or seek medical advice to ensure proper care and to prevent any potential complications.]

How to Store a Restasis?

Properly storing Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is essential to maintain its effectiveness and safety. Here are the recommended storage guidelines for Restasis:

• Temperature Control: Keep Restasis at room temperature, ideally between 15°C to 25°C. Avoid exposing the medication to extreme temperatures, such as leaving it in a car where it can get too hot or cold.
• Light and Moisture: Store the vials in their original packaging to keep them safe from light & moisture.
• Keep It Sealed: Ensure that the single-use vials are kept in the sealed foil pouch until ready to use. Once opened, use the vial immediately and discard any remaining contents after application since it does not contain preservatives.
• Safe Storage Location: Store Restasis out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.
• Do Not Freeze: Do not freeze Restasis; freezing can damage the emulsion and affect its effectiveness.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare expert the proper disposal of unused medication and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

What Medications Interact with Restasis?

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is used topically in the eyes and is absorbed locally, so its potential for systemic drug interactions is relatively low compared to oral medications. However, it’s still important to consider possible interactions, particularly with other eye medications.

Key considerations for interactions include:

• Other Eye Drops: If you are using other topical eye medications, it is generally recommended that you wait at least 15 minutes between applying different products. This helps to prevent any dilution or interaction on the ocular surface that could affect the efficacy of either medication.
• Immunosuppressants: While systemic absorption of cyclosporine from Restasis is minimal, concurrently using other systemic immunosuppressive drugs could potentially increase the risk of immune suppression. It’s important to discuss all medications you are taking with your healthcare specialist, especially if you are on other forms of cyclosporine or other immunosuppressants.
• Contact Lenses: While not a medication, it’s important to note that contact lenses should not be worn during the administration of Restasis. They can be reinserted 15 minutes after application to avoid any potential interaction with the medication or discomfort.

What Are the Other Restasis Interactions?

In addition to the potential interactions with other eye medications and systemic immunosuppressants, Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) may have other interactions to consider. However, these are generally limited due to their local application in the eyes. Here are a few more considerations:

• Cosmetic Products: While cosmetic products like eye makeup do not have direct medicinal interactions, applying makeup immediately after Restasis could potentially interfere with the medication’s absorption and effectiveness. It’s advisable to wait until the emulsion has thoroughly dried before applying cosmetics around the eyes.
• Ocular Irritants: Using products that can irritate the eyes, such as specific eye makeup removers or facial cleansers, may exacerbate any irritation caused by Restasis. Patients should be cautious about using harsh products around the eyes.
• Artificial Tears: If you use artificial tear solutions or lubricating eye drops in conjunction with Restasis, it is recommended that you allow at least 15 minutes between applying Restasis and the artificial tears to avoid diluting the cyclosporine and reducing its effectiveness.

[Note: This is not a complete list of Restasis interactions. Always inform your healthcare professional of all medications, supplements, and herbal products you use to ensure potential interactions effectively.]

What Are the Restasis Alternatives?

Here are some alternatives to Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) for treating dry eye syndrome:

• • Xiidra (lifitegrast)
  • Cequa (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution)
  • TheraTears (artificial tears)
  • Systane (artificial tears)
  • Refresh (artificial tears)
  • Optive (artificial tears)
  • GenTeal (artificial tears)
  • Blink (artificial tears)
  • Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert)
  • Eysuvis (loteprednol etabonate)
  • FreshKote (polyvinyl alcohol)
  • Restasis MultiDose (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion in a multi-dose bottle)

• Klarity-C (cyclosporine)

• AzaSite (azithromycin)

• Punctal plugs (medical devices, not a medication)

[Note: Your doctor will choose the best Restasis alternative for you. Don’t use any of the medications mentioned above without consulting your healthcare expert. Taking them without medical supervision may cause serious side effects.]

Restasis Cost & Coupons

Restasis is a vital medication for managing dry eye syndrome, but its high retail prices in the US can be prohibitive for many patients. US residents can consider purchasing Restasis from Canadian pharmacies to find more affordable options. Polar Bear Meds is a reputable source known for competitive medication pricing. By using the coupon code “WELCOMEPB10” at checkout, customers can avail of up to 10% discounts on their first order. Additionally, our referral program offers further savings, including a free coupon for future purchases. Secure your supply of Restasis from Canada and enjoy significant cost savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How effective is Restasis for treating dry eyes?

In clinical trials lasting 6 months, approximately 15% of Restasis participants experienced increased tear production. This contrasts with just 5% of participants who saw improvements while using a placebo. If you have concerns about the effectiveness of Restasis for your condition, it’s important to discuss these with your healthcare specialist to determine if this treatment suits you.

How long does it typically take for Restasis to start working?

The effects of Restasis on dry eyes can take some time to become noticeable. It may be around three months before you observe an increase in tear production and up to 6 months before you experience a more substantial improvement in your symptoms. Patience is important while waiting for the medication’s full benefits to manifest.

Is it safe to use Restasis while wearing contact lenses?

No, it is not recommended to use Restasis while wearing contact lenses. You should remove your lenses before applying the medication and wait 15 minutes after using Restasis before reinserting them. This delay allows the drug to be absorbed properly. Additionally, wearing contact lenses when you have dry eyes can exacerbate the condition, so it’s generally advised to minimize contact lens use if you suffer from dry eyes.

What are the differences between Restasis and Cequa?

Restasis and Cequa are brand-name cyclosporine eye drops used to treat dry eye syndrome, but there are a few key differences. Restasis is available in both brand-name and generic forms, while Cequa is not yet available as a generic. Cequa is formulated to enhance penetration into deeper parts of the eye, potentially offering improved efficacy compared to Restasis. Additionally, Restasis is approved for use in individuals aged 16 and older, whereas Cequa is approved for usage in adults aged 18 and over.

Our Guarantee

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