Restasis (cyclosporine) is an immunosuppressive agent. Cyclosporine may reduce inflammation in the eye(s).
Restasis is used to treat chronic dry eye that may be caused by inflammation.
Restasis may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Do not touch the Restasis dropper on to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye(s).
Do not use Restasis while wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration of Restasis, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Restasis?
Do not use Restasis if you have any type of infection in the eye(s). This medicine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Restasis without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether cyclosporine passes into breast milk. Do not use Restasis without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I use Restasis?
Use Restasis eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
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Gently turn the bottle upside down a few times to obtain a uniformly white mixture in the bottle. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on your lower eyelid. Position the dropper above your eye. Look up and away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Repeat the process in the other eye if directed.
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Use Restasis twice a day, approximately every 12 hours, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
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Use each bottle for one dose only (one or both eyes). Throw away any remaining medication.
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Artificial tears may be used during treatment with Restasis. Allow a 15 minute interval between application of the two products.
Do not touch the dropper to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an infection in the eye(s).
Do not use Restasis while wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration of Restasis, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle properly capped.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next one as directed. Do not use a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Restasis is unlikely to occur. If you do suspect an overdose, wash the eye with water and call an emergency room or poison control center. If the drops have been ingested, call an emergency center for advice.
What should I avoid?
Do not use Restasis while wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Artificial tears may be used during treatment with this medicine. Allow a 15 minute interval between application of the two products. Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Restasis unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of Restasis?
Serious side effects are not expected to occur during treatment with Restasis.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Restasis?
Do not use other eye drops or medications during treatment with Restasis unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Artificial tears may be used during treatment with Restasis. Allow a 15 minute interval between application of the two products.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Restasis. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
