Cyclosporine Ophthalmic (patient information)
Why this medication is prescribed
Cyclosporine ophthalmic is used to increase tear production in people with dry eye disease. Cyclosporine ophthalmic is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. It works by decreasing swelling in the eye to allow for tear production.
How this medication should be used
Cyclosporine ophthalmic comes as an emulsion (liquid) to apply to the eye. It is usually applied to each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart. To help you remember to use cyclosporine eyedrops, apply them around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use cyclosporine eyedrops exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of them or use them more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Cyclosporine eyedrops are for use only in the eye(s). Do not swallow or apply cyclosporine eyedrops to the skin.
Cyclosporine eyedrops come in single-use vials (small bottles to be used for one dose). The liquid from one vial should be used immediately after opening for one or both eyes.
To apply the eyedrops, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Turn over the vial a few times until the liquid inside looks white and not see-through.
- Open the vial.
- Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
- Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or anything else.
- Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
- Lie down or tilt your head back.
- Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
- Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
- With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
- Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing the drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
- Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
- If you are using the eyedrops for both eyes, repeat steps 7-11 for the other eye.
- Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue.
- Throw away the vial out of the reach of children even if it is not empty.
- Wash your hands again.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Special precautions
Before using cyclosporine eyedrops:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) or any other medications.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention other eyedrops for dry eye disease.
- if you are using artificial tears, apply them at least 15 minutes before or after cyclosporine eyedrops.
- tell your doctor if you have an eye infection, if you have a punctal plug (stopper inserted by a doctor in a tear duct to keep tears in the eye), and if you have or have ever had a herpes infection of the eye.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using cyclosporine eyedrops, call your doctor.
- you should know that cyclosporine eyedrops should not be applied while wearing contact lenses. *If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying cyclosporine eyedrops and put them back in 15 minutes later. Talk to your doctor about wearing contact lenses if you have dry eye disease.
Special dietary instructions
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What to do if you forget a dose
Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side effects
Cyclosporine eyedrops may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- burning, itching, stinging, redness, or pain of the eyes
- overflow of tears
- red eyes
- eye discharge
- blurred vision or other vision changes
- feeling that something is in the eye
Cyclosporine eyedrops may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away each vial after one use. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Restasis®