Is Restasis a steroid eye drop?
No, Restasis is not a steroid eye drop. Restasis contains cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic, an eye drop used to treat chronic dry eye (also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca) that may be caused by inflammation.
Restasis works by decreasing eye inflammation and increasing your tear production. It helps you to make more of your own tears and is classified as a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant.
The recommended dose is one drop of Restasis in each eye twice a day, every day, at least 12 hours apart. Follow your healthcare provider’s directions.
Chronic dry eye disease can be caused by advanced age, wearing contact lenses, some medicines, other eye conditions, the environment around you, or reduced tear production due to inflammation.
Do not combine Restasis with a steroid anti-inflammatory eye drop unless your doctor has prescribed this regimen. Long-term use of steroid eye drops can lead to serious side effects like glaucoma or cataracts. Also, in studies, the manufacturer reported that Increased tear production was not seen in patients currently using topical anti-inflammatory drugs.
Learn more: What are ophthalmic steroids?
Related questions
- Is there a generic for Restasis eye drops?
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What if Restasis is not working?
If your symptoms of dry eye are not improving, talk with your eye doctor. It can take several weeks to months for Restasis to begin to relieve your chronic dry eye symptoms. In general, you should not stop treatment unless approved by your doctor. Chronic dry eye has no cure and you may need to continue Restasis long-term.
Related: How long does it take for Restasis to work?
This is not all the information you need to know about Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Restasis.com. Allergan. Irvine, CA. Accessed June 3, 2022 at https://www.restasis.com/savings
- Restasis prescribing information. Allergan. 7/2017. Irvine, CA. Accessed June 3, 2022 at https://media.allergan.com/actavis/actavis/media/allergan-pdf-documents/product-prescribing/Combined-Restasis-and-MultiDose-PI_8-3-17.pdf
- Ames P, Galor A. Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsions for the treatment of dry eye: a review of the clinical evidence. Clin Investig (Lond). 2015;5(3):267-285. doi: 10.4155/cli.14.135.
Read next
Can you get Restasis eye drops over the counter?
No, Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic) eye drops require a prescription from your doctor, you cannot buy them over the counter (OTC). An optometrist or ophthalmologist are eye doctor specialists that usually prescribe this medicine. This drug is approved to treat dry eye disease. Continue reading
Are there any Restasis withdrawal symptoms?
Restasis withdrawal symptoms do not usually occur, but clinical studies have shown your 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. Restasis is typical meant for long-term use, but some patients may be able to stop treatment after 6 months. Continue reading
What is the difference between Cequa and Restasis?
Both Cequa and Restasis are eye drops that contain cyclosporine. They are used to increase tear production in patients with dry eye disease (medically called keratoconjunctivitis sicca). However, Cequa incorporates a novel nanomicellar technology of cyclosporine A to allow delivery of high concentrations of the medication into the eye. Restasis is not manufactured using nanomicellar technology. Nanomicellar technology can help deliver poorly water-soluble drugs into the eye and protect the drug molecule. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Restasis Information for Consumers
- Restasis prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Restasis (detailed)
- Restasis user reviews (221)
Related support groups
- Restasis (34 questions, 44 members)