Restasis (Cyclosporine)

Please read the instructions before using Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05%.

Do’s

Instill Restasis in the affected eye(s) as directed by your healthcare provider, usually twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart. Use the drops at the same times each day to ensure consistent treatment.

Before using Restasis, wash your hands thoroughly. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the medication. 

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 and place one drop into the pouch. After applying the drop, close your eyes for 2-3 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 prevent the medication from draining out. If directed to use this medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for the other eye.

If you are using another kind of eye medication, wait at least 15 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

If you are using the single-use form of this medication, throw away the opened vial after use. 

Consult your healthcare provider if your condition worsens while using Restasis.

Remember to always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional for the safe and effective use of Restasis.

Don’ts

Do not save used single-use vials for later use.

Common Side Effects of Restasis

Instillation site pain, irritation, and erythema

Uncommon Side Effects of Restasis

Instillation site reaction and discomfort 

Mild Side Effects

Feeling as if something is in the eye

Blurry vision

Eye pain

Watery eyes

Burning sensation in the eyes

Itchy eyes

Red eyes

Hypersensitivity: 

This may manifest as eye swelling, urticaria, rare cases of severe angioedema, face swelling, tongue swelling, pharyngeal edema, and dyspnea.

Always consult your healthcare provider for more information about the possible side effects of Restasis and how to manage them effectively.

Patients should be advised not to touch the vial tip or allow the tip of the vial to touch the eye or any surface. This is to prevent potential eye injury and contamination.

Restasis should not be administered while wearing contact lenses. Patients with decreased tear production typically should not wear contact lenses. If contact lenses are worn, they should be removed prior to the administration of the emulsion. Lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration of Restasis.

Do not use Restasis if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. 

Restasis isn't known to interact with other medications. However, informing your healthcare provider about all medications, including prescription and over-the-counter kinds, before starting Restasis is recommended.

Clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, and adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) Drug Interactions

Moderate Drug Interactions: Restasis has 15 moderate interactions, mainly with other eye medications. These include:

• Betaxolol
• Carteolol
• Dexamethasone
• Other ophthalmic drops

No Severe Drug Interactions: Studies show no severe interactions with cyclosporine ophthalmic.

Minimal Systemic Absorption: Restasis does not enter the bloodstream in detectable amounts. This makes interactions with systemic medications unlikely.

Administration Guidelines: Avoid using Restasis at the same time as other eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes between different eye medications.

Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using Restasis with other eye treatments.