Most common
More serious
Most common
More serious
You should not use Xiidra if you:
You should talk to your doctor before using Xiidra if you:
You should not use Restasis if you:
You should talk to your doctor before using Restasis if you:
One drop twice a day
One drop twice a day
60 mL Xiidra ophthalmic solution 5% costs around $590
30, Restasis ophthalmic emulsions 0.05% will cost around $330
Xiidra and Restasis are brand names for prescription drugs used for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that using Xiidra and Restasis are effective treatments for dry eye syndrome. Xiidra vs Restasis haven’t actually been directly compared in clinical studies. Here we will try to explain how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.
Xiidra is an FDA approved (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) prescription eye drop manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% is a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) or blepharitis.
With dry eye disease, you do not make enough tears. This may cause discomfort, burning, pain in your eyes, or blurry vision. Xiidra reduces the symptoms of eye dryness and may provide lasting symptom relief.
Xiidra is available as an ophthalmic solution, in the following doses: 5% (50 mg/mL).
Instill one eye drop twice daily in each eye, 12 hours apart. Do not use Xiidra eye drops while wearing contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using the eye drops before putting in your contact lenses.
Please read the prescribing information and patient information and always speak with your eye doctor for medical advice about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.
Restasis is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Allergan, Inc. Restasis eye drops are used to treat chronic dry eye disease that may be caused by inflammation. It is a topical immunomodulator indicated to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Increased tear production was not seen in patients currently taking topical anti-inflammatory drugs or using punctual plugs.
The active ingredient of Restasis is cyclosporine. This substance belongs to a class of drugs that suppress the immune system, leading to an increase in natural tears.
Restasis is available as an ophthalmic emulsion, containing cyclosporine 0.5mg/mL.
Instill one drop of the ophthalmic emulsion twice a day in each eye, every 12 hours. The single-use vial has to be thrown away after you use it as the vials don’t contain any preservatives in it.
Wait at least 15 minutes before using artificial tears, or any other eye drops. Do not touch the dropper onto any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated, it could cause an eye infection. Also, to avoid potential eye injury and contamination, be careful not to touch the vial tip to your eye.
Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following the administration of Restasis eye drops. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Always speak with your optometrist for medical advice or about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.
The most common side effects of Xiidra in clinical trials compared to placebo include:
The most common side effects of Restasis in clinical trials include:
These aren’t all the side effects Xiidra or Restasis can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or pharmacist.
Xiidra and Restasis can interact with other prescription medications. This can change how Xiidra and Restasis and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.
You should not use Xiidra if you:
Talk to your doctor before using Xiidra if you:
You should not use Restasis if you:
Talk to your doctor before using Restasis if you:
If you have any concerns about Xiidra or Restasis side effects, or about your eye health talk to an eye care specialist, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
