Restasis is an eyedrop medication that’s used to treat dry eye disease. Each dose comes in a single-use vial that should only be used once. The vial and any remaining contents should then be discarded.

Restasis is the brand name of a drug called cyclosporine, and it works by decreasing swelling in the eye.

Usage

To use Restasis:

• Turn the vial upside down a few times until the liquid is white and mixed together before using.
• The eye drop should be used twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
• The drops should only be used in the eyes and never swallowed or applied to the skin.
• Be careful not to let the dropper tip touch your eyes, fingers, face or any other surface because this may give bacteria the chance to get into the eye drops.
• If you wear contact lenses, they should be removed before applying Restasis.
• You should wait at least 15 minutes before applying other eye drops, such as artificial tears.

Side effects

Restasis can have side effects. The most common one is a temporary burning sensation, but others can include:

• Eye redness
• Discharge
• Watery eyes
• Eye pain
• Itching
• Stinging
• Blurred vision

Storage

Restasis should be stored only at room temperature. Don’t keep it in the bathroom or other areas with high humidity in your home. As with all medications, keep it tightly closed in the container it comes in and stored away from children.