Cyclosporine ophthalmic User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Empea...
• October 5, 2016

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I was prescribed Restasis by my ophthalmologist due to severe dry eye caused by Accutune. I was given a card that gave me a discount since I did not have private health insurance and used each vile over 2-3 days so that it became effectively very cheap for me to use. I had side effects at first, burning eyes and blurred vision. I was told it takes a minimum of 3 months to see any benefits so I kept using it. It worked almost too well, as my eyes started producing tears so much that my eyes would water all the time. I stopped using the product after 1 year, and my eyes have improved so much I no longer need to use it, although I still use regular over the counter eye drops (Systane Balance) once or twice a day as needed"

• MPano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2020

Cequa (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I used Xiidra for 3 years and had excellent results until I became allergic to it. Cequa has just come out and I have been on it one month. I do not have any pain with use, vials are easy to use. The medication is not costing me a lot of money, just 30 a month. The bad news is that it does not work as well as Xiidra. My eye doc likes what she is seeing as she thinks it will be a good drug for me but I still have dry eye symptoms. I am hoping these will ease up the longer I use the drug."

• Godlo...
• January 28, 2015

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "Restasis has been nothing short of a miracle for me! My eyes hurt, were extremely dry, had bumps under my eyelids and terrible allergies and inflammation. In the morning my eyelid would stick closed and I would have to open it slowly and add gel drops. I was on 4 things a day for my eyes and they were not getting much better. I run a humidifier because the dryness from running the heat in the winter seemed to make my eyes worse. I could not wear my contact lenses as it was torture. After being on Restasis for 3 weeks, I am 80% better. I use Systane Ultra gel drops when I go to bed at night and my eyes are so much better in the mornings when I wake up. I am now wearing my contact lenses again, but, not as long during the day as I used too. Grateful!"

• Suzanne
• December 18, 2020

Cequa (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I used Xiidra for 8 months with no noticeable results other than it drained my bank account. Cequa was just recommended but after reading nothing but negative results, I’m not going to spend $600 a month for 2 drops a day for 6 months to see if it helps. Thanks for the comments!"

• Jess
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 10, 2017

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I had dry eyes since I began wearing contacts when I was 12 years old. Now at age 35 I found the solution.... and it was not Restasis. I was prescribed Restasis for my chronic dry eye in 2014 and I used it for about 1 1/2 years. It burned my eyes every single time is used it and I eventually quit because it was so painful. About one year ago in 2016 I started exercising and drinking about 1 gallon of water per day. An unintentional result from my increased water intake was NO MORE dry eyes! I no longer have to use any eye drops, something I never left home without before. I'm not saying this will work for everyone but I have tried multiple eye drops for years and got no results, I even tried supplements like fish oil with no improvement."

• Whitt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 18, 2022

Cequa (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I tried Cequa for three weeks and it did not work for me. At first it started with just the stinging and itching I was warned about, which would gradually subside. But then it actually made the dry eye worse, even if I used a Moisturizing drop 30 minutes before I used the Cequa. One night right before bed I put in the eyedrops and immediately had to rush to the sink to rinse my eyes out with water. I started crying and almost had to go to the emergency room thinking I had permanently damaged my eyes it hurt so bad. I had to rinse my eyes out with saline several times before the pain and severe itching subsided. It was a full day before I could use any other type of eyedrops to help with my dry eyes, which was a nightmare. Thankfully by the second day I was fine again although my eyes were still a little bit irritated and uncomfortable. I’m never using this again."

• RXgui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 20, 2019

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I was prescribed Restasis for dry eyes. Immediately when I put it in my eye I felt instantaneous joint pain of the most severe. I tried like two other times to confirm and it happened the same way each time so I never used again."

• Molly
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2021

Cequa (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I was given this for dry eye from LASIK surgery. I had a bad reaction to using Cequa that got worse the more I used it. Headaches, foggy head, my ears felt water clogged, itchy eyes, sandy feeling in eyes, difficulty breathing through my nose and some puffiness, and increased fatigue. I tried taking it once/day instead of 2x/day and the side effects decreased but still remained and got worse whenever I tried to take it 2x/day as directed. I would wake up in the night uncomfortable and unable to fall back asleep. Getting reimbursed by the company was also frustrating. I had to call repeatedly before finally getting through to someone who could guide me through getting reimbursed for the 3 month supply I was not able to use."

• Squir...
• February 14, 2016

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "The first time I was prescribed Restasis - I was also prescribed a cortisone drop and I didn't have any issues with burning and got complete relief within a few short months. I stopped taking it after 6 months and the eyes became dry again about 9 months later. I am back on it again but this time without the cortisone drops. I am finding the burning pretty much continuous. However I am again producing tears easily. I will ask my doctor to again prescribe cortisone drops in addition to the Restasis. My doctor ok'd me using each vile for 2-3 days.Fortunately I have insurance that covers most of the cost. I would highly recommend this drug to anyone suffering from chronic dry eyes. None of the over the counter medications helped."

• Grave...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2020

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "My eyes were so dry I had to pry them open every hour and douse with eye drops trying to sleep. With restasis, I can usually sleep all night now, or only find my eyes are stuck upon awakening in the morning. I also have Graves’ disease, so these dry eyes may be related to that, but for now I find great relief with these drops. I have no side effects, just very slight burning it’s not bothersome at all. I was scared to try them at first, so I only did one eye. Guess which one got better...the one I used restasis on. I’m so glad my insurance is willing to cover them and the copay is $40"

• cpitt...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 14, 2023

Cequa (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "Eye twitching - I'm skeptical, especially after reading all the reviews. I can get past the burning, as it's not too bad. It feels like I have a film of medicine or chemical on my eyes. I'm only on 1 week but just noticed my left eye twitching. I searched reviews to see if anyone else has had eye twitching. I see it mentioned in the comments above, but it doesn't mention anywhere in the side effects. So beware of eye twitching, only in the left eye so far. The tugging drives me nuts for two days now. Not sure if I will keep on this medication. I'll be calling my doctor. My co-pay was $89. I get like 6 uses from one vial, so the price is not a concern."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2015

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I was hesitant to start using Restasis after reading the reviews. However, I was very desperate, suffering from severe dry eye, corneal scarring/dry spots, and ocular rosacea. My eyes were just giving me too much trouble and I was using high-end lubricant eye drops, compresses daily, fish oil pills, and consuming a lot of water. I was doing all I could to avoid Restasis. At the end of my rope, my Dr. prescribed Restasis along with a steroid drop. I have been using both for a month now and can already tell a very big difference. My eyes feel normal again and much less sensitive, no burning or scratching or tearing. It is wonderful. I hope that the benefits continue as long as I use the drops. I am a very happy Restasis customer!"

• Jean
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2021

Cequa (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I used Restasis for a year and it worked great. It did burn my eyes after putting drops in but it was only about 2/3 min of burning pain that made my eyes bloodshot and tear. After a year I didn’t need the drops anymore, but then I got the COVID vaccine and it flared my dry eyes up immediately. Probably within the week of getting the shot my dry eye was worse than ever. My dr told me to try Cequa. I have been using Cequa for a month and the burning after putting the drop in my eyes at night are much more intense than Restasis ever was. I am going back to my dr see if I should stop but I’m willing to continue for a month or so to see if the burning gets any better. Maybe Restasis was better for me but I guess everyone needs to just try and see what works best for them. Hope this review helps"

• Wolfg...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 16, 2019

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I used Restasis with great results for over 8 years. Last week it stopped working and my eyes started hurting worse than ever. Not sure if perhaps pharmacy or the manufacturer sold a contaminated or defective drops. Anyway I went to see my doctor and he suggested I stop Restasis and prescribed something new. Will let you know if they work after a day or two."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2019

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I started restasis multi dose twice daily two weeks ago, will not continue use due to difficulty getting correct dose in eye due to problems with the design of bottle, even cut bottle and poured into another bottle, but realized it will not be sterile. Do the restasis eye drops work? Well you would have to get them out of the bottle first! The only way I will continue is if insurance will cover the individual doses. Company should take notice and improve the multi dose dispenser. Could be a great product, but looks like several customers unhappy with packaging."

• bwilli
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 22, 2021

Cequa (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I had used Restasis for about 10 years, but over time it gradually stopped working. I tried xiidra, but the first time I used it my eyes swelled up! I was using Lacrisert, but was not having much luck with that either. Then, in the course of my research, I came across Cequa. At this point I was willing to try anything my dry eye is so severe. I have been using it for a week and at day 5 the pain and redness just stopped! So far, this drug is like a miracle for me!!! I pray it continues to work. Thankfully, my insurance company agreed to cover it with a $60 co-pay. Of course, as everyone knows, you get more than one day out of a vial. As if we would just throw it away! Really? LOL"

• chickie
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 11, 2019

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I use restasis in the vial form. Twist off the cap and squeeze out. I put the rest of the vial in the frigde to use at night. I've been on restasis for years with no side effects or problems. I've been to the opthamologist for checkups and he has never said there have been any issues. After many many years I do wonder how much good it is doing but will continue."

• RHGirl
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2020

Cequa (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "Used Restasis but MD didn't see remarkable difference, so recommended Cequa. Could not tolerate drug at all. Immediate pain upon putting eye drops in, extreme redness and burning. Received coupon for one month supply so there were no out of pocket expenses. Never went through the insurance process to see if drug would have been covered."

• pem
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2016

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "My eye doctor tried me on Restasis for dry eyes the first time being about a year ago. I didn't experience stinging as some have and thought it was going to do the job. However, about a week into the treatment my eyes felt swollen. I lifted my upper lids to see if anything looked wrong and my eyeball looked like it had hemorrhaged. I took a picture so I could show my doctor and stopped the treatment. About 6 months later we decided to try it again thinking maybe another medication I was using could have caused the Restasis to react that way. But once again it did the same thing."

• Anonymous
• January 28, 2020

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "My mom has been using Restasis for over 12 years. She is now 104 and found out it would cost her $275 for a one month supply. I do not even think it helps her.....I use over the counter eye drops Genteal on her often and they help more and much much more affordable. If you are not a wealthy person, try those."

• Barb
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2019

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "My eyes are so sensitive using Restasis for dry eye that I have to cover my eyes with my hands and use sunglasses at all times or I can’t go outside. The pain is nearly extreme every time I use it so I’m going to stop. I don’t care how expensive it was! I have the bottle and they said it was expensive. I just can’t use it anymore without so much pain and sensitivity to light. It was prescribed after surgery with my Salzman‘s disease which is nodules on the cornea from nerve damage. I can see fine without the Restasis but not well with it ...so I will use an eyedrop that is meant for dry eye instead: vials of Refresh because those work very well and they’re not loaded with preservatives. Enough for a month is $15 and you can use a vile three or four times each."

• mamam...
• December 6, 2015

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I suffered with severe dry eyes for years. I was developing corneal ulcers and tons of dry spots. It was hard to wear contact lenses. My optometrist had me see an opthalmologist, and she put me on Restatis. Three months later, I had my check-up and the corneal ulcer is healed (left a small scar), and all the dry spots are gone. She has cleared me to try to wear contact lenses again. I actually feel tears when I blink. So far, this medication has been a godsend for me. I tested negative for Sjogrens."

• Dare2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2022

Cequa (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I have dry eyes after Lasik surgery. This makes my eyes twitch: My ophthalmologist was so excited to prescribe Cequa to me because my insurance covered it...WHY?...$2,000.00!!!! For a prescription...of Eyedrops...For $2000, these drops better have stem cells & give me perfect vision! but, alas, that was not the case. POSITIVES:1. no propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol 2. smoother than regular eye drops 3. Only takes a drop or 2 in each eye per dose NEGATIVES: 1.Individual uses a. I either poke myself in the eye or miss my eye completely b. more than 4 drops are in each vile & are one-time uses, therefore, a lot of waste 2. They burn in the early uses until your eyes either get use to them or are less dry 3. IT MAKES THE EYE LID TWITCH! No where does it say this is a warning or side effect. It started out barely noticeable but by week 3, my left eye was constantly twitching all day long. Stopped using drops and twitch is gone."

• kathl...
• October 17, 2015

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "I have an extreme dry left eye that drives me crazy for about 2 years can't wait to get home to wash my eye at night the right eye is dry per my dr exam but not nearly as bad. First few days in bad eye felt better off the bat. I am a sceptic so it really did feel better. 1 month later my really dry left eye feels wonderful. I was going to use it only in left bad eye due to the cost but once I opened the vial saw how much was in there I decided to use in against drs orders though I wash my hands and do not touch the dropper at all. works great for me"

• BonBee
• January 13, 2015

Restasis (cyclosporine) for Dry Eye Disease "Eyes are much less irritated. Still have occasional pain from dry eyes, especially at night, but am only using other eye drops every half hour in evenings instead of every few minutes all day long. I keep vials in refrigerator and am able to use 1 vial for 2-3 days, so cost is not prohibitive."