Restasis Eye Drops 0.05%

Restasis general information

What is Restasis used for?

Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% are used to increase natural tear production by the eye. Tear production is reduced due to inflammation associated with a chronic eye disease called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, more commonly known as dry eye disease, in which the eye does not produce sufficient tears to cover the cornea and protect the surface of the eye. This condition can be caused as a side effect of certain drugs, such as isotretinoin; as a symptom of certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis; abnormal composition of tears causing them to evaporate rapidly; the aging process. Often there is no known cause (idiopathic). Chronic dry eyes results in inflammation and damage to the structures of the eye surface. Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% help prevent inflammation on the surface of the eye and this in turn helps increase natural tear production. Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% can also be used in conjunction with artificial tears.

How does Restasis work?

Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% contain cyclosporine, which is an immunosuppressive drug usually taken orally for suppressing the immune system and preventing rejection of organ transplants or for treatment of certain autoimmune diseases. When used for treating dry eye disease caused by reduced normal tear production, cyclosporine in Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% is thought to act as an immunomodulator by inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory chemicals called cytokines produced by lymphocytes at sites of inflammation. By damping down the effect of inflammatory cytokines in the eye, cyclosporine in Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% reduces local inflammation and helps the eyes resume normal tear production, which is important to protect and lubricate the eyes.

What does Restasis contain?

Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% are an ophthalmic emulsion containing the active ingredient cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant and immunomodulator, used to increase tear production in dry eye disease. They also contain: glycerine, castor oil, polysorbate 80, carbomer copolymer type A, purified water; and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH.

Treating dry eyes with Restasis

Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% contain cyclosporine, an immunomodulator that is used to increase natural tear production in dry eye disease. Dry eye disease is a chronic eye disease called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, in which the eye does not produce sufficient tears to cover the cornea and protect the surface of the eye. This condition can be caused as a side effect of certain drugs, such as isotretinoin; as a symptom of certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis conditions; abnormal composition of teats causing them to evaporate rapidly; the aging process. Often there is no known cause (idiopathic). Chronic dry eyes results in inflammation which blocks normal tear production and causes damage to the structures of the eye surface. Cyclosporine in Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% is thought to work by inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory chemicals called cytokines produced by lymphocytes at sites of inflammation. Reducing inflammation locally helps the increase normal tear production, which is important to protect and lubricate the eyes.

What are the side effects of Restasis?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Restasis include: burning sensation in the eye, eye redness and discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.

When should Restasis not be used?

You should not use Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% if you:

• are allergic to cyclosporine or any ingredients in Restasis eye drops
• have an active eye infection
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor

How should Restasis be used?

Before using your Restasis Eye Drops 0.05%, gently invert the vial a few times to ensure it is well mixed and the white emulsion is uniform and opaque. Add one drop into each eye twice daily, 12 hours apart. If you are also using artificial tears, you should wait for 15 minutes after applying your Restasis Eye Drops 0.05%. You should continue to use your Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% continually for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for at least 30 days.

How long should you take Restasis?

You should continue to use your Restasis Eye Drops 0.05% continually for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for at least 30 days.

Missed dose of Restasis

If you miss a dose of Restasis take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Restasis be stored?

You should store your Restasis below 15-25°C in a cool dry place.