Type of medicine: immunomodulator
Generic and brand names: cyclosporine emulsion 0.05%, ophthalmic; Restasis
This medicine, in the form of eyedrops, is used to increase the production of tears in people who have dry eyes due to inflammation. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine comes in single-use plastic vials. Tip the vial back and forth (do not shake) until it looks white. Do not use the medicine if it becomes discolored. Use the medicine from each vial immediately after opening. To keep from contaminating the medicine, do not let the tip of the dropper touch your eye or any other surface.
Wash your hands before putting medicine in your eyes. Tilt your head back, and gently pull your lower eyelid down to form a pouch. Hold the dropper directly above your eye, look up, and squeeze a drop of the medicine into the pouch. Close your eyes for a minute or two and with a fingertip press gently on the inside corner of your eye to keep the medicine from draining out. Do not rub your eyes. Safely dispose of any medicine left in the vial.
If you are using any other eyedrops, such as artificial tears, wait at least 15 minutes between applications of the medicines.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed. Do not use double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
An acute overdose of this medicine is not likely to cause life-threatening symptoms. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
This medicine may cause vision changes. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you can see clearly.
If you wear contact lenses, ask your healthcare provider if you can continue to wear them while you are using this medicine. If you are able to wear contact lenses, wait at least 15 minutes after putting the medicine in your eyes before putting in your lenses.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are using this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Any new eye irritation or inflammation.
Other: Burning, itching or stinging in your eyes, discharge, eye pain, feeling like something is in your eye, blurred vision.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. However, do not use any other medicines or contact lens solutions in your eye unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Keep the vials in the plastic tray with the aluminum lid. Store this medicine at room temperature. Protect it from heat and bright light.
Do not use any drops that have become discolored. Do not use this medicine after the expiration date printed on the package.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicines in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
