Cyclosporine ophthalmic and Stinging: What Users Say

• Tee...
• March 4, 2020

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "I was given Cequa to use after I stopped using Restasis because it burned/stung every time I used it. I don't really see any difference. The Cequa stings and causes my eyes to water all night long, making my nose run as well. Lately, my vision seems to have gotten really blurry, and I am wondering if this is some reaction to the Cequa. My eye doctor told me to stop using it for now."

• Tee...
• March 4, 2020

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "I was given Cequa to use after I stopped using Restasis because it burned/stung every time I used it. I don't really see any difference. The Cequa stings and causes my eyes to water all night long, making my nose run as well. Lately, my vision seems to have gotten really blurry, and I am wondering if this is some reaction to the Cequa. My eye doctor told me to stop using it for now."

• 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."

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

Cyclosporine ophthalmic 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."

• geo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2025

For Dry Eye Disease "This was prescribed after cataract surgery. Although it is for dry eyes, I have not felt any change in using this. At times, it stings when applying drops, I continue using this until the doctor tells me different."

• LSa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2021

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "I've been using Restasis for about a week, and it has made a tremendous difference. Eyes are not nearly as dry and itchy as before. It stings a bit just after you put in the drops, but goes away quickly. Very happy!"

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "I'm not sure if Restasis works well. Can't get enough from the bottle to the eye to find out. The eyes sting badly, so I have to use some Systane after 30 minutes. Perhaps the Allergan (Restasis) folks could call the Alcon (Systane) folks to find out how to make a bottle for eye drops. Will be using only Systane when the Restasis runs out."

• cha...
• November 28, 2022

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "I've been on Restasis for 7 weeks now. No side effects other than a little stinging. My eyes felt a little better after just a few days. After the 1st week, I didn't need any OTC drops. Every day, they felt a tiny bit better than the day before. Now I'd say they are maybe 80% there. I still have problems with eye moisturizer and eye makeup... my eyes sting for a while if I use those, but much less than in the beginning. My eyes never feel dry now, just sometimes a little goopy/stringy. I'm so happy that Restasis works for me... I had put off trying it for years. I also use one vial for AM and PM, and don't refrigerate. Hopefully, after 4-6 months, they will be even better."

• Mam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 11, 2024

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "I have been developing dry eye over the last couple of years and came to a breaking point this past winter. While I was skeptical about Cequa, it has greatly improved how my eyes feel during the day and I notice how my eyes produce their own tears now. I rarely use other drops anymore, and my eyes don’t feel gritty. Some slight stinging in the minute after I’ve put them in, but nothing severe. Can only hope insurance will cover it in the future."

• Pip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2024

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "One drop per eye, 12 hr apart. Easy to use. Initial combination with low steroid drops four times a day for the first month that I’ve had before for allergies. Only a few days in and the first day seemed great. Game changer. I’ve started to get blurry vision and it does sting/burn. I am also getting some headaches, which I don’t know if they’re connected. Will check back in with the optometrist."

• Jod...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 16, 2023

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "I’ve only been using it for a month, so haven’t really had any significant improvement. It’s sometimes hard to remember to use the drops twice a day in addition to my glaucoma drops and artificial tears. Also, the drops usually sting my eyes for quite a while after using. In addition, my insurance doesn’t cover it, so it’s very expensive!"

• Vee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2020

Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Dry Eye Disease "My eyes sting using Cequa. I have not been consistent using it because of the stings. I think I’m going to stop using it."