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Cyclosporine ophthalmic is an eye drop used to increase tear production in people with dry eye syndrome. Cyclosporine ophthalmic may work by reducing inflammation in the eyes. Common side effects include temporary eye discomfort, such as pain, burning, stinging, or itching after using the drops. Be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface to prevent contamination.
Uses
What is cyclosporine ophthalmic (eye) used for?
Cyclosporine ophthalmic (Restasis) is commonly used to increase tear production in people withdry eye syndrome (also known as dry eye disease or keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Symptoms of dry eye syndrome often include eye discomfort (such as an itchy or gritty feeling in your eyes), eye redness, watering, and blurry vision.
Cyclosporine is also available in other forms. SeeCyclosporine for more information.
How does cyclosporine ophthalmic work (mechanism of action)?
Cyclosporine ophthalmic is thought to work by reducing inflammation in the eyes. In people with dry eye syndrome, this may help the eyes make more tears.
How is cyclosporine ophthalmic supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Restasis
Dosage forms and strengths
- 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (eye drops)
How should I store cyclosporine ophthalmic?
Cyclosporine ophthalmic should be stored at room temperature, usually between 59 F and 77 F (15 C and 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place that is protected from light. Do not freeze or refrigerate.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of cyclosporine ophthalmic?
The most common side effects of cyclosporine ophthalmic are listed below. These side effects may vary based on the product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Eye burning
There may be other side effects of cyclosporine ophthalmic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA atwww.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada atwww.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of cyclosporine ophthalmic?
While less common, the most serious side effects of cyclosporine ophthalmic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Cyclosporine ophthalmic may causeallergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using cyclosporine ophthalmic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollenlymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin calledhives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use cyclosporine ophthalmic?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use cyclosporine ophthalmic.
- Cyclosporine
- Restasis
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific cyclosporine ophthalmic products they stock.
What should I know about cyclosporine ophthalmic before using it?
Do not use cyclosporine ophthalmic unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share cyclosporine ophthalmic with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep cyclosporine ophthalmic out of the reach of children.
Cyclosporine ophthalmic is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understandshow to properly use eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.
Use cyclosporine ophthalmic at least 10-15 minutes apart from artificial tears or other eye medicines. Use cyclosporine ophthalmic at least 10 minutes before any eye ointment, gel, or thicker (viscous) eye drops. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure about when to use your eye medicines.
Eye infections may occur if your eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the eye drop container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of an eye infection, such as eye redness, itching, discharge, swollen eyelids, or fever.
Cyclosporine ophthalmic may cause blurry vision as a temporary side effect. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how cyclosporine ophthalmic affects you.
Remove contact lenses before using cyclosporine ophthalmic. If your health care provider says it is okay to wear contacts, wait at least 15 minutes after using cyclosporine ophthalmic before putting your lenses back in.
Some cyclosporine ophthalmic products come in single-use containers. These products are preservative-free, which means they can go bad quickly after the container is opened. Use the medicine as soon as you open it, in one or both eyes as prescribed, then throw away the container. Do not save any leftover medicine.
What should I tell my health care provider before using cyclosporine ophthalmic?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if cyclosporine ophthalmic is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how cyclosporine ophthalmic could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if cyclosporine ophthalmic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use cyclosporine ophthalmic while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does cyclosporine ophthalmic interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between cyclosporine ophthalmic and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect cyclosporine ophthalmic.
Does cyclosporine ophthalmic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between cyclosporine ophthalmic and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Does interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much cyclosporine ophthalmic?
If you or someone else has used too much cyclosporine ophthalmic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of cyclosporine ophthalmic?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. Ask your health care provider if you are unsure what to do after a missed dose.
