After you start using Xiidra (lifitegrast), it may be a few weeks before you notice an improvement in your dry eyes.

• In studies conducted by the manufacturer, some patients started to feel dry eye relief at 2 weeks. For some patients, it may take from 6 to 12 weeks to feel the full effects.
• By 12 weeks, your doctor can see if the medication is reducing your signs of dry eye with an eye exam.
• Not everyone will have dry eye relief with Xiidra.

How does Xiidra relieve dry eyes?

Xiidra is designed to target inflammation due to dry eyes. It works by blocking a protein on the surface of cells that can cause your eyes to not produce enough tears or produce tears that are not the right consistency. Xiidra is classified as a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist.