In clinical studies, Xiidra was shown to provide relief of symptoms of eye dryness for some patients in as little as 2 weeks of use. Many patients observed improvements in symptoms at 6 weeks or 12 weeks.

However, the AAO guidelines point out that studies of Xiidra for treating this condition looked at the drug over a period of 3 months. The safety of using Xiidra long term (12 months or longer) currently isn't known.

Actor Ken Jeong But Novartis has both in one person for its dry eye disease medicine Xiidra. Actor Ken Jeong is no longer a practicing physician, but he is still a celebrity Novartis spokesperson for the past 18 months, and he's now turning up the celebrity for the brand.

Xiidra TVC starring SJM's Jemma Rivera.

In clinical studies of Xiidra, no serious side effects caused by Xiidra were reported. However, since the clinical studies took place, some people have reported allergic reactions to Xiidra (see “Allergic reaction” in the “Side effect details” section below).

Xiidra Safety It is expected for some people who use Xiidra to experience side effects like eye irritation, discomfort, or blurred vision when the drops are applied to the eyes, and an unusual taste sensation. These are not all the possible side effects of Xiidra.

The cost for Xiidra ophthalmic solution 5% is around $730 for a supply of 60 solution, depending on the pharmacy you visit. Quoted prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. This price guide is based on using the Drugs.com discount card which is accepted at most U.S. pharmacies.

Novartis is passing off the dry eye disease drop Xiidra to eye health specialist Bausch + Lomb in a $2.5 billion deal, another step in the company's overhaul as it focuses on five core areas. Bausch + Lomb will pay $1.75 billion upfront with potential milestone payments up to $750 million.

Tear production tends to diminish as you get older. Dry eyes are more common in people over 50. Being a woman. A lack of tears is more common in women, especially if they experience hormonal changes due to pregnancy, using birth control pills or menopause.

Ken Jeong: The comedian and actor, best known for his roles in the Hangover movies, has spoken about his struggles with dry eye. He has said that his symptoms began during his time as a practicing physician and have continued to be an issue for him throughout his career.

Xiidra is a nonsteroid therapy that can help disrupt inflammation at an important source. It was specifically designed to target a source of underlying inflammation that may fuel dry eye disease. *Xiidra is an LFA-1 antagonist for the treatment of dry eye disease.

Xiidra contains the drug lifitegrast, which binds to certain proteins in the body and reduces inflammation. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome can be caused by inflammation in the eyes. Xiidra may help improve symptoms of dry eye syndrome by reducing inflammation.