by Dr Pandula Siribaddana

Created on: September 29, 2010

What is ‘Restasis’?

Restasis is a cyclosporine 0.05 ophthalmic solution and is used for reduced tear production due to a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. In other words, the drug can also be introduced as a partial immune modulator with an added anti-inflammatory effect.

How is it used?

Restasis is available as a single use vial and following its use the vial and its remaining solution should be discarded. Being immune modulatory, the users should be extremely careful in handling these vials as contamination can lead to infections which can be one of the serious manifestations with this medication. Thus, it is extremely important not to touch any of the sterile surfaces of the dropper as it can lead to a possible infection. The drug is usually applied twice daily with a single drop to the affected eye or to both eyes and needs to be continued till advised by your ophthalmologist.  Furthermore, Restasis should not be used while the contact lenses are still present and at least 15 minutes should elapse after instilling the eye drops for the contact lenses to be inserted.  

What are the possible side effects of Restasis?

The drug is usually well tolerated by many and serious side effects are very rare with this ophthalmic solution. But, unless we adhere to its user recommendations and hygienic practices, there is a possibility of infections being introduced which can manifest as eye discharge, itching of the eye, red eyes…etc. But, having said that, clinical evaluations of Restasis among its users have not revealed any significant increase in infections when compared with the normal population. Furthermore, although Cyclosporine can cause many side effects when used systemically for more serious medical conditions, there were no traceable amounts of cyclosporine present in individuals whom have taken Restasis which may explain the low levels of side effects with this drug.

Among the common side effects which can manifest with Restasis, burning feeling of the eye, pain, redness, itching, excessive tearing and blurring at times can be listed in the top. Although these can trouble the consumers using Restasis, it usually will resolve with continued use although one should be vigilant regarding worsening of such symptoms as well as continued discomfort that may or may not be associated with symptoms of eye infection.

Hypersensitivity reactions are also possible and therefore anyone who’s allergic to Restasis or any of its ingredients should not use the medication and in case there are signs and symptoms such as swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat, hives, breathing difficulties…etc, immediate medical treatment should be given to prevent it from progressing into a life threatening anaphylactic event.

Lastly, this article is not at all a comprehensive guide to the use and side effects of Restasis and the readers are advised to use the manufacturer literature in order to obtain more information.

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