Restasis

Restasis (cyclosporine) 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion is a prescription eye drop used for the treatment of chronic dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). It is indicated for people whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation.

Restasis contains cyclosporine, which helps increase tear production that has been reduced by inflammation in the eyes. It is for ophthalmic use only and is typically used twice daily, about 12 hours apart. You may notice improvement within weeks, but full benefits usually require consistent use for several months.

Restasis 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion is FDA-approved to treat:

• Chronic dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
• Decreased tear production due to ocular inflammation

Restasis works by reducing inflammation in the eye’s tear‑producing glands. In people with chronic dry eye, inflammation can interfere with the glands that normally make tears. By calming this inflammation, Restasis helps the eyes return to a more natural tear production process. Specifically, Restasis:

• Helps decrease immune‑mediated inflammation on the surface of the eye
• Increases the eyes’ ability to produce natural tears
• Improves tear film stability and reduces dryness symptoms

This targeted action helps relieve the discomfort of dry eye and supports long‑term tear production, improving overall eye comfort and function over time.

• Instill one drop of Restasis (cyclosporine) 0.05% eye drops in each eye twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart).

If you are considering using Restasis for chronic dry eye, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands properly before handling the eye drops.
• Shake the bottle gently if instructed.
• Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and create a small pocket to place the drop.
• Instill 1 drop of Restasis into the affected eye(s) twice daily (morning and evening).
• Close your eyes gently for 1–2 minutes; avoid blinking or squeezing tightly.
• You should wait at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses if you wear them.
• Use consistently every day for best results. Improvement may take 4–12 weeks.

• Restasis is for ophthalmic (eye) use only. Do not ingest or apply it to the skin.
• Always use Restasis exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Remove contact lenses before using Restasis. Lenses may be reinserted after 15 minutes of application.
• Inform your doctor if you have a history of eye infections or eye surgery.
• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using Restasis.
• It is not known whether topical ophthalmic cyclosporine passes into breast milk, although it is likely safe. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding.
• Do not share Restasis with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.
• Restasis is not approved for use in patients under 16 years old.

Who Cannot Use Restasis?

You should not use Restasis eye drops if:

• You have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to cyclosporine or any of the ingredients in Restasis
• You have an active eye infection (bacterial, viral, or fungal) unless directed by a provider

Restasis 0.05% should be used with caution and under medical supervision in patients who:

• Have a history of recurring eye infections
• Are you using other prescription eye medications
• Have had recent eye surgery or trauma

Restasis ophthalmic emulsion may cause side effects in some people. Most side effects are mild and occur at the application site in the eyes. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you experience any unusual, persistent, or severe symptoms while using Restasis, stop using the medication and consult your doctor or eye care professional immediately.

If you miss a dose of Restasis 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion:

• Use the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next scheduled one, skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra drops to make up for a missed Restasis dose.

Using more Restasis eye drops than prescribed is unlikely to cause serious problems, as it is applied topically to the eyes. Possible symptoms of overuse may include:

• Temporary eye irritation or burning
• Redness
• Increased tearing
• Blurred vision shortly after application

If excessive drops are accidentally used, rinse the eye with clean water or saline if irritation occurs. If Restasis is accidentally swallowed, contact a provider or a poison control center for guidance.

Restasis (cyclosporine) and Xiidra (lifitegrast) are prescription eye drops used to treat chronic dry eye. While both help reduce eye inflammation and improve dry eye symptoms, they work in different ways. The key differences between Restasis and Xiidra are explained in the table below:

• Xiidra may be preferred by patients seeking faster relief from dry eye symptoms.
• Restasis is effective for long-term management and may be more affordable or covered by insurance.
• Neither medication is universally a “better” choice; it depends on individual response, side-effect tolerance, and doctor recommendation.

Always consult your eye care provider to determine the most appropriate treatment for managing your chronic dry eye.

If you are prescribed Restasis for chronic dry eye, follow these storage guidelines:

• Store it at room temperature, between 15°C-25°C (59°F-77°F).
• Do not freeze the eye drops.
• Keep the eye drops in their original packaging to protect them from light.
• Store away from excess heat and moisture.
• Do not use ophthalmic emulsion after the expiration date printed on the package.
• Keep Restasis out of reach of children and pets.

Restasis (cyclosporine) ophthalmic emulsion may interact with certain medications. Always inform your provider about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before using Restasis.

The alternatives to Restasis (cyclosporine) for dry eye include:

• Xiidra (lifitegrast)
• Cequa (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09%)
• Eysuvis (loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension)
• Ikervis (cyclosporine)

The high cost of Restasis in the U.S. can be frustrating, especially for patients who need long-term treatment for chronic dry eye. Many people delay or avoid care because the price feels unaffordable. At Polar Bear Meds, we help make Restasis more accessible by offering a safe and affordable way to buy Restasis online from Canada without compromising quality.

By working with licensed Canadian pharmacies, we offer Restasis at significantly lower prices, often up to 80% less than U.S. pharmacy costs. No insurance is required, and there are no hidden fees. All Restasis orders are dispensed with a valid prescription and meet strict safety and quality standards.

New customers may save even more by using the Restasis coupon code “WELCOMEPB10” for an additional 10% off on their first purchase. Orders are shipped securely and discreetly, typically within 3–5 business days via Xpress Post, making it simple and reliable to continue your dry eye treatment.

• https://www.drugs.com/restasis.html
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/050790s020lbl.pdf
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/cyclosporine-restasis
• https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/restasis
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3514052