Why is this medication prescribed?

Cyclosporine ophthalmic is prescribed primarily for the treatment of dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) that is not adequately managed by artificial tears or other conventional therapies. Dry eye disease occurs when there is insufficient tear production or poor quality of tears, leading to discomfort, irritation, and potential damage to the surface of the eye.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how Cyclosporine ophthalmic should typically be used:

• Dosage: The usual dose is one drop of Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (brand name: Restasis) in each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
• Administration: Wash your hands thoroughly before using the eye drops. Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
• Application: Hold the dropper directly over your eye and apply the prescribed number of drops into the lower eyelid pocket without touching the tip of the dropper to any surface, including your eye. Blink gently to spread the medication evenly across the surface of your eye.
• Contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Cyclosporine ophthalmic. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before reinserting your lenses.
• Duration: Use Cyclosporine ophthalmic regularly and exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not immediately notice improvement in your symptoms. It may take several weeks to see the full benefits of the medication.
• Storage: Store Cyclosporine ophthalmic at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of Cyclosporine ophthalmic and any potential side effects. If you have any concerns or questions about its use, consult your healthcare provider.

Other uses for this medicine

• Treatment after Eye Surgery: Cyclosporine ophthalmic may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and promote healing after certain types of eye surgeries, such as corneal transplants.
• Other Eye Conditions: In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe Cyclosporine ophthalmic off-label for other eye conditions that involve inflammation or require immune modulation.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using Cyclosporine ophthalmic, it’s crucial to follow specific precautions to ensure safe and effective use:

• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using Cyclosporine eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying the drops before reinserting lenses. This allows the medication to be absorbed properly without interference from the lenses.
• Eye Care: Ensure that the tip of the Cyclosporine eye dropper does not touch any surface, including your eye, to prevent contamination.
• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially if you have a history of allergic reactions to Cyclosporine or other medications.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of using Cyclosporine ophthalmic with your doctor. It’s important to weigh these considerations to make an informed decision.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have a history of infections or eye problems other than dry eye disease.
• Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects such as eye discomfort, redness, blurred vision, or temporary burning sensation after using Cyclosporine ophthalmic. If these symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor promptly.
• Follow-up: Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of Cyclosporine ophthalmic and to discuss any concerns or changes in your condition.

Always use Cyclosporine ophthalmic exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are generally no specific dietary instructions associated with Cyclosporine ophthalmic. However, if you are taking Cyclosporine orally (for other medical conditions), dietary restrictions may apply. Always follow your doctor’s advice regarding any dietary restrictions associated with your overall treatment plan.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Take the Missed Dose: Use the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Double Dosing: Do not double the dose to catch up. Only use one drop per eye as prescribed by your doctor. Using more drops than prescribed will not improve your symptoms faster and may increase the risk of side effects.
• Resume Regular Schedule: Resume your regular dosing schedule as prescribed by your doctor.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Cyclosporine ophthalmic (brand name: Restasis) may cause some side effects, although not everyone using the medication will experience them. Common side effects include:

• Eye Irritation: This can include burning, stinging, itching, redness, or a feeling of something in the eye. These symptoms are usually mild and may decrease with continued use of the medication.
• Blurred Vision: Temporary blurred vision may occur after using Cyclosporine ophthalmic. It is recommended to wait until your vision clears before driving or using machinery.
• Watery Eyes: Paradoxically, some people may experience increased tearing or watery eyes as a result of using Cyclosporine ophthalmic.

Less common but more serious side effects may include:

• Eye Infections: While rare, using Cyclosporine ophthalmic may increase the risk of developing eye infections. Symptoms can include eye pain, swelling, redness, or discharge.
• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. These reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention if they occur.
• Systemic Effects: Although rare, Cyclosporine can be absorbed systemically through the eye. This may lead to systemic side effects similar to those seen with oral Cyclosporine, such as high blood pressure, kidney problems, or tremors. However, the systemic absorption with ophthalmic use is typically minimal compared to oral use.

If you experience any persistent or severe side effects while using Cyclosporine ophthalmic, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on whether you should continue using the medication and may adjust your treatment plan if necessary. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and report any concerns promptly to ensure safe and effective treatment of your dry eye disease.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Cyclosporine Ophthalmic:

• Storage: Store Cyclosporine ophthalmic (Restasis) at room temperature between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Avoid storing it in the bathroom or near moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Handling: Wash your hands before and after using Cyclosporine eye drops to prevent contamination. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface, including your eye, to avoid contamination.
• Disposal: Dispose of expired or unused Cyclosporine eye drops according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard the medication when it is no longer needed or expired.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose or accidental ingestion of Cyclosporine ophthalmic, contact your local poison control center (1-800-222-1222 in the United States) or seek emergency medical attention immediately. Overdose symptoms may include severe burning or irritation in the eyes.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-Up: Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of Cyclosporine ophthalmic and discuss any concerns or changes in your condition.
• Use in Children: The safety and effectiveness of Cyclosporine ophthalmic have not been established in pediatric patients under 16 years of age. Use in this age group should be under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
• Use with Other Eye Drops: If you use other eye drops, wait at least 15 minutes before using Cyclosporine ophthalmic to prevent dilution of the medication.
• Contact Lenses: Remove contact lenses before using Cyclosporine eye drops and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss the use of Cyclosporine ophthalmic with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The potential risks and benefits should be carefully considered.
• Driving and Machinery: Cyclosporine ophthalmic may cause temporary blurred vision after application. Wait until your vision clears before driving or using machinery.
• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies you have, especially if you have a history of allergic reactions to Cyclosporine or other medications.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the use of Cyclosporine ophthalmic and consult them if you have any questions or concerns about its use or potential side effects.