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Restasis and Itching: What Users Say

Itching: mentioned by 5 users (2.2%)

Based on user experiences from 224 Restasis reviews, the following table shows the most commonly mentioned side effects.

All user comments are moderated by Drugs.com. Each review is verified for relevance and screened for inappropriate content. Side effects are user-reported and not clinically verified.

burning 12.1%
blurred vision 3.1%
swelling 3.1%
dry eyes 2.7%
pain 2.7%
discomfort 2.2%
itching 2.2%
stinging 2.2%
dryness 1.3%
headaches 1.3%

Reviews for Restasis

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Jen...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 25, 2015

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 doctor 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, with no burning, 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!"

10 / 10
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63 Report
  • Sus...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 26, 2017

For Dry Eye Disease "I was diagnosed with extreme dry eye, in part due to past Lasix surgery, part occupational hazard, and part age-related. My doctor put me on Restasis. It turns out I am allergic. I had none of the eye pain others described. But, my vision was very blurry, impeding my ability to read and focus starting day 1. I increased my fluid intake, thinking dehydration. I had a 'light' headache, sinus and throat issues getting progressively worse, and I would suddenly lose my voice and experience dizziness. My blood pressure was elevated. My face became red and itchy. After feeling abnormalities in the blood flow around my heart, I stopped the Restasis. This all happened in 4 days. Most of the symptoms left 48 hours after stopping. Restasis is not for everyone."

1 / 10
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29 Report
  • htt...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 23, 2023

For Dry Eye Disease "Used this medication for around one month for dry eyes due to a chemical burn in my left eye. This medication, by far, has to be the worst dry eye drop on the market. It made my left eye so itchy, and the foreign body sensation drove me up a wall, having the urge to constantly rub my eye and the burning sensation as well. Stopped the medication, and my eye is better."

1 / 10
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6 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Hot...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • August 27, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "Ten years ago, I went through 7 mo. of chemo for breast cancer. In doing so, my tear ducts were affected as well as my eyes. Both eyes felt as though I had stared at someone welding, only my eyes just got worse. I used eye drops and gels for a couple of months. And then my doctor prescribed Restasis. During the day, I used the drops, and then both eyes would burn for a bit and itch. At night, I used the OTC gel. This gel causes blurred vision, has a cooling effect, and puts the fire out. The Restasis was always kept in a cooler when away from home and in the fridge at home. This seemed to take the burn and itch out about half."

9 / 10
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15 Report
  • Bla...
  • December 2, 2017

For Dry Eye Disease "You can't believe everything doctors say. My eye was twitching unbelievably for weeks at a time, and they kept saying, stop drinking caffeine and it's stress. I said, it's probably because I have dry eyes. After fighting with the insurance company, I was finally able to get Restasis, and voila! My twitching ceased. I am so relieved. Life is hard enough, why would I have to deal with twitching eyes every day? They can sometimes cause them to be a little itchy. I use a little allergy drop, and I'm fine."

10 / 10
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3 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.