Restasis is a medication used to treat eye symptoms related to Sjogren's syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears and saliva do not function correctly. About 1 in every 10 people with lupus has Sjogren's syndrome, but Sjogren's can also affect people who do not have lupus.

Treating your type of Chronic Dry Eye with RESTASIS® takes time and consistent use. Take one drop in each eye twice a day, every day, at least 12 hours apart. It may take 3 months for some patients to begin noticing an increase in tear production, with significant increase in tear production at 6 months.

In general, patients are advised to use Restasis for a minimum of 6 months, with the understanding that the vast majority will require lifelong treatment to remain symptom-free. Side effects were similar in 1-year and 3-year trials.

However, one common cause for higher consumer cost is a lack of competition. Restasis is a brand-name drug. These drugs are often under patent when first released, meaning no one else can manufacture them. So they are frequently priced higher initially due to a lack of similar medications vying for the same market.

Guidelines published by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) state that cyclosporine (the active drug in Restasis) eye drops are effective for treating dry eye. They also state that for some people, the drug can work well enough that symptoms of dry eye go away for long periods of time.

Patients with severe DED frequently have a poor response to normal twice per day application of Restasis, even after several months of treatment, and often benefit from an increased dosing application of three or four times per day.

Restasis is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Restasis is safe and effective for you, you'll likely take it long term.

RESTASIS® was developed specifically to treat a type of Chronic Dry Eye with decreased tear production due to inflammation. It can help increase the eyes' natural tear production with time and consistent use. In a study, patients using RESTASIS® saw an increase in tear production at 6 months.

To use Restasis: Turn the vial upside down a few times until the liquid is white and mixed together before using. The eye drop should be used twice a day, about 12 hours apart. The drops should only be used in the eyes and never swallowed or applied to the skin.

You should use Restasis eye drops twice each day. You can use the drops any time of day, but try to keep your doses about 12 hours apart.

It's not safe to put more than one drop of Restasis in your eye at a time. The doses should be about 12 hours apart. If you're unsure whether to take or skip a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Official answer. Restasis withdrawal symptoms do not usually occur, but clinical studies have shown that persistent dry eye symptoms may return if you stop treatment. Depending upon your symptoms, you may need 3 to 6 months of Restasis treatment before your dry eyes start to improve.