What is Restasis?
Restasis is a prescription medication that is primarily used to treat chronic dry eye disease - a condition that affects millions of people globally. The active ingredient in Restasis is cyclosporine, which helps to reduce inflammation in the eyes and increase tear production, ultimately relieving the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Restasis works by inhibiting the body's immune and inflammatory responses that may lead to severe dry eyes. The medication comes in the form of eye drops and is typically applied twice a day, around 12 hours apart. The usual recommended dosage is one drop in each eye at a time.
While Restasis can help relieve the symptoms of dry eye disease, it may take several weeks of regular use for the full effects of the medication to be experienced. Additionally, Restasis may have some side effects, including burning, itching, redness, and stinging in the eyes.
Overall, Restasis can be effective in reducing inflammation in the eyes and increasing tear production, thus providing relief for chronic dry eye sufferers. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting to use the medication and to follow the prescribed dosage to avoid potential side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions about restasis
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.
Restasis eye drops contain cyclosporine which is an immunosuppressant. Cyclosporine can increase tear production that has been reduced by inflammation in the eye(s). Restasis eye drops are used to treat chronic dry eye that may be caused by inflammation.
Cyclosporine eye drops are FDA approved for one use: chronic dry eye. This can also be called dry eye disease (DED) or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This Restasis generic shares the same approved use as brand-name Restasis.
However, after Restasis therapy ceases, most patients will eventually experience a relapse of their symptoms. 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.
Restasis is generally safe and well-tolerated, but if you experience any serious discomfort (i.e., more than just a slight burning of the eyes), contact your doctor. Restasis is not allowed in people with a history of serious eye infections. If you develop an eye infection, see your eye doctor immediately.
Restasis is FDA-approved to treat chronic dry eye. With this condition, you have inflammation or irritation in your eyes that causes dryness. This often results in stinging, burning, redness, or itching around your eyes.
Restasis has an average rating of 4.5 out of 10 from a total of 190 reviews for the treatment of Dry Eye Disease. 26% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 50% reported a negative experience.
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.
Restasis is generally safe and well-tolerated, but if you experience any serious discomfort (i.e., more than just a slight burning of the eyes), contact your doctor. Restasis is not allowed in people with a history of serious eye infections. If you develop an eye infection, see your eye doctor immediately.
In the largest study of more than 350 patients, 72% of participants were satisfied with the results after taking 0.05% cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion for dry eye syndrome. Restasis works by decreasing swelling in the eye and increasing your eye's ability to produce tears.
Restasis is generally safe and well-tolerated, but if you experience any serious discomfort (i.e., more than just a slight burning of the eyes), contact your doctor. Restasis is not allowed in people with a history of serious eye infections. If you develop an eye infection, see your eye doctor immediately.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
When using RESTASIS®, you might experience temporary burning or stinging. This may be a response to treatment and is the most common side effect. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.
In the largest study of more than 350 patients, 72% of participants were satisfied with the results after taking 0.05% cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion for dry eye syndrome. Restasis works by decreasing swelling in the eye and increasing your eye's ability to produce tears.
Restasis can cause temporary blurred vision.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
When using RESTASIS®, you might experience temporary burning or stinging. This may be a response to treatment and is the most common side effect. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.
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.
