Brand name:
Restasis
Pronounced: REH-stay-sis
Generic name:
Cyclosporine
Why is Restasis prescribed?
Restasis is a medicated eye drop that increases tear production.
It is used to relieve the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, including
burning, redness, dryness, grittiness, and the sensation of a
foreign object stuck in the eye.
Most important fact about Restasis
Do not use Restasis to treat eye dryness that is related to an
infection.
How should you take Restasis?
Use Restasis solution only in the eyes; never swallow it. Turn
each individual, single-use vial upside down a few times before
using to mix the solution (it should look white with no streaks).
After opening the vial, immediately insert the drops into one or
both eyes; throw away any remaining medication when you're done.
To prevent contamination of the solution, do not touch the tip of
the vial to any surface, to your eyelids, or to the surrounding area
of the eye.
If you wear contact lenses, wait at least 15 minutes after using
Restasis before inserting your lenses. This will prevent them from
absorbing Restasis. It's okay to use lubricating eye drops or
artificial tears during treatment with Restasis, but you should wait
15 minutes after using one product before using the other one.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
Restasis side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe to continue using Restasis.
- Side effects may include:
Burning in the eye
Why should Restasis not be prescribed?
Do not use Restasis if you currently have an eye infection. Also
avoid the drug if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it.
Special warnings about Restasis
Be sure to tell the doctor if you've ever had herpes in either
eye. Restasis has not been studied in people who have a history of
eye-related herpes infection.
If you wear contact lenses, talk to your doctor before using
Restasis. People with reduced tear production generally should not
wear contact lenses.
Restasis has not been studied in children less than 16 years old.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Restasis
No interactions with Restasis have been reported.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Restasis has not been adequately studied in pregnant women.
Before using the drug, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or
plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether Restasis appears in breast milk. If you
plan to breastfeed, discuss your medication options with your
doctor.
Recommended dosage for Restasis
The usual dose is one drop in each affected eye twice a day,
about 12 hours apart.
Overdosage
There is no information on Restasis overdose. However, any
medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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