Cyclosporine (Into the eye)

Introduction

Cyclosporine (sye-kloe-SPOR-een)

Treats chronic dry eye disease by increasing the amount of tears in your eyes.

Brand Name(s)

Restasis

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Liquid Mixture, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine comes in single-use packages. Each package contains enough medicine for one dose. After you open a single-use package, use the medicine right away.
• Mix the medicine well just before using it. To do this, turn the single-use package upside down a few times.
• If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in after using the medicine.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
• To use:
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball.
  • Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye.
• If you use this medicine two times a day, it is best to space those times about 12 hours apart.
• Allow at least 15 minutes to pass between using this medicine and using artificial tears.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of the used medicine container and any leftover medicine. Throw away any medicine left in the opened single-use package after you have put the medicine in your eyes. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have herpes infection in your eye (herpes keratitis).

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Brief blurred vision or other changes in vision
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Mild and brief burning in your eyes
• Red, watery, or itchy eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088