GENERIC NAME: CYCLOSPORINE - OPHTHALMIC (sye-klo-SPORE-een)

BRAND NAME(S): Restasis

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat dry eyes due to a certain type of eye condition (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). It works by increasing the amount of tears you make.

HOW TO USE: This medication is applied to the affected eye(s) usually twice a day, about 12 hours apart; or as directed by your doctor. To apply eye drops, wash your hands first. To avoid contamination, be careful not to touch the tip of the vial or let it touch your eye. Before opening the vial, make sure the eye drops are well mixed by turning the vial upside down several times before use. Open the vial right before you are about to use it. The eye drops should have a milky, white appearance. Tilt your head back, look upward and pull down the lower eyelid to make a pouch. Place the tip of the vial directly over the eye and apply 1 drop. Look downward and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Try not to blink and do not rub the eye. Discard the remaining contents of the opened vial immediately after use. Do not store the opened vial for later use. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using this medication and do not replace them until 15 minutes following use of these eye drops. If you are also using other drops for dry eyes (e.g., artificial tears), wait 15 minutes between use of the different products.

SIDE EFFECTS: Burning, stinging, redness, pain, or itching of the eye may occur. Blurred vision, feeling as if something is in the eye, or eye discharge may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, severe itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Sjogren's Syndrome - Learn about Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and connective tissue. Primary Sjogren's syndrome only affects the glands, while secondary Sjogren's syndrome also involves the connective tissue. Symptoms may include dry eyes, dry mouth, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma. Though there is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome, the symptoms may be treated by using lubricating eye ointments, drinking plenty of water, humidifying the air, and using glycerin swabs. Medications are also available to treat dry eye and dry mouth. Source:MedicineNet Dry Eyes - Read about dry eyes. Learn the causes (Sjogren's syndrome, hormones, medications), symptoms and treatment (punctal plugs, eye drops, surgery) of dry eyes. Source:WebMD Medical Reference from The Cleveland Clinic Read 12 more cyclosporine-ophthalmic related articles ... Overabundance of Immune Cells Might Trigger Lupus