Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion for Dry Eye Disease

What Cyclosporine Is and How It Works

Cyclosporine® is a prescription eye drop used to increase tear production in chronic dry eye. This page explains how the treatment works, who may benefit, and key safety points to review. Ships from Canada to US, and you can review options even without insurance.

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If you are comparing Cyclosporine ophthalmic online, this overview summarizes approved indications, basic dosing, handling tips, and important cautions in clear language.

Who It’s For

This medicine is indicated to increase tear production in people with dry eye disease when tear production is presumed reduced due to ocular inflammation, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is not a lubricating tear substitute. It targets the inflammatory component that contributes to reduced natural tearing.

It is the Generic of Restasis. People with active eye infections should not start the therapy until the infection resolves. Use caution if you have a history of ocular herpes. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before dosing and follow lens reinsert guidance from the official label.

Dosage and Usage

Use one drop in each affected eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart, unless your prescriber instructs otherwise. Wash hands, tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket, and instill one drop without touching the eye or eyelashes. Blink gently. If both eyes are treated, repeat the steps for the other eye.

Remove contact lenses before use. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses. If you also use artificial tears or other eye medicines, separate each product by at least 15 minutes to avoid dilution. Each unit-dose vial is for one-time use; discard any remaining emulsion after dosing.

Strengths and Forms

• Ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% in preservative-free, single-use vials
• Common pack sizes include multi-vial pouches; availability may vary

Formulations and pack sizes can differ by manufacturer. The prescriber’s directions and the package insert should guide use.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, instill it when you remember. If it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not instill extra drops to make up for a missed dose. Keep doses evenly spaced for consistent ocular exposure.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the vials at room temperature in the original foil pouch until use. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Once opened, use a single-use vial right away and discard the remainder. Keep all medicines out of reach of children.

When traveling, keep vials in your carry-on bag to avoid temperature extremes. Carry your prescription and original packaging for security checks. Do not leave vials in a parked car or near heat sources. If your itinerary may involve prolonged heat exposure, ask your pharmacist about protective storage options.

Benefits

• Tear production support: targets inflammatory pathways that suppress tearing
• Preservative-free vials: designed to minimize ocular surface exposure to preservatives
• Chronic control: suitable for long-term management when prescribed
• Adjunct to lubricants: can reduce reliance on artificial tears over time
• Local therapy: minimal systemic exposure compared with oral immunomodulators

Side Effects and Safety

• Temporary burning or stinging after instillation
• Eye redness or irritation
• Watery eyes, discharge, or itching
• Blurred vision immediately after dosing
• Sensation of a foreign body in the eye

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include hypersensitivity reactions or worsening ocular infection. Do not use this therapy with active eye infections. Stop use and contact a healthcare professional if you notice marked pain, severe redness, vision changes, or signs of infection. Remove contact lenses before dosing and wait 15 minutes before reinserting. For broader eye health context, you may also review Cataract Awareness Month.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Ocular absorption is low, but always provide your clinician with a full list of medicines and supplements. Separate this emulsion from other eye products by at least 15 minutes. Use with caution if you are using topical ocular corticosteroids; your prescriber will determine if both are appropriate. Do not touch the vial tip to the eye or any surface, as contamination may lead to infection.

What to Expect Over Time

Relief is gradual because the therapy modulates ocular surface inflammation rather than providing immediate lubrication. Some people continue artificial tears while using the emulsion, especially early in treatment. Regular, twice-daily use supports consistent effect. Routine eye exams help monitor surface health and tear film stability. For additional vision care topics, see Diabetic Eye Disease Month and Vs Lucentis.

Compare With Alternatives

Approved alternatives for dry eye include lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution (Xiidra) and cyclosporine 0.09% solution (Cequa). These are different formulations or mechanisms your prescriber may consider based on your ocular surface status and tolerability. Therapy choice depends on diagnosis, severity, and response.

If you also manage glaucoma, we dispense other prescription eye therapies that are not substitutes for dry eye but may be relevant for pressure control, such as Vyzulta® Ophthalmic Solution and Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Solution. For retinal therapy education, read Side Effects Dosage.

Pricing and Access

Review Cyclosporine eye drops price on the product page to compare options. We display current availability, pack sizes, and instructions to submit your prescription securely. Our checkout uses encrypted processing.

Typical Cyclosporine ophthalmic cost varies by pack size and manufacturer. You can see Canadian pricing with US delivery from Canada and decide which supply length fits your plan. If you seek coupon details, visit our Promotions page.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If an item is temporarily unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an alternative or a different pack size from another manufacturer. You can Order cyclosporine ophthalmic once restocked, or your clinician may choose a different therapy suited to your diagnosis and history.

This page addresses human prescription use only. For veterinary therapies, see our Pet Medications section.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This treatment may suit adults with confirmed dry eye disease where inflammation drives low tear production. It may not be appropriate for people with active ocular infections or hypersensitivity to components. Your prescriber will determine fit based on exam findings and prior response.

To manage costs, consider multi-month supplies if approved by your prescriber, which can reduce per-fill fees. Sign up for refill reminders to avoid gaps. Keep your prescription current to prevent delays. Discuss compatible artificial tears to limit waste. If lens wear is essential, confirm lens type and routines that minimize irritation while you continue therapy.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is inflammatory dry eye the main cause of my symptoms?
• How should I coordinate artificial tears with this therapy?
• What signs suggest I should pause treatment and contact you?
• Can I continue contact lenses, and what schedule should I follow?
• How often should I schedule follow-up eye exams?
• Which other eye medicines should be separated from these drops?
• What expectations should I have for comfort and vision over time?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Cyclosporine Ophthalmic EmulsionHealth Canada Drug Product DatabaseManufacturer: Restasis Consumer Site

Ready to proceed? You can place your request online with express shipping. This information is not a substitute for medical advice; always follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label.