Cyclosporine ophthalmic and Itching: What Users Say

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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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!"

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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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 eye drops 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 eye drops 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."

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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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 eye drops 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 eye drops 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."

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2021

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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 a day instead of twice a day, and the side effects decreased but still remained and got worse whenever I tried to take it twice a 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 three-month supply I was not able to use."

• Sus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 26, 2017

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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."

• htt...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2023

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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."

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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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."

• Bla...
• December 2, 2017

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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."

• Ell...
• September 23, 2016

For Dry Eye Disease "Have been taking Restasis for dry eyes for two years with no other symptoms than burning until recently. My vision has become blurred, had my glass prescription made stronger, difficulty reading, redness of eyes, and terrible itching. Started to use Refresh Plus, and symptoms are lessening. Will discuss the problem with my ophthalmologist."