How long does it take for Xiidra to work?
After you start using Xiidra (lifitegrast), it may be a few weeks before you notice an improvement in your dry eyes.
- In studies conducted by the manufacturer, some patients started to feel dry eye relief at 2 weeks. For some patients, it may take from 6 to 12 weeks to feel the full effects.
- By 12 weeks, your doctor can see if the medication is reducing your signs of dry eye with an eye exam.
- Not everyone will have dry eye relief with Xiidra.
How does Xiidra relieve dry eyes?
Xiidra is designed to target inflammation due to dry eyes. It works by blocking a protein on the surface of cells that can cause your eyes to not produce enough tears or produce tears that are not the right consistency. Xiidra is classified as a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist.
References
- Xiidra [package insert]. East Hanover, New Jersey: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 2019. https://www.novartis.us/sites/www.novartis.us/files/xiidra.pdf
- Donnenfeld ED, Perry HD, Nattis AS, et al. Lifitegrast for the treatment of dry eye disease in adults. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2017;18(14):1517–1524. doi:10.1080/14656566.2017.1372748
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What are the best eye drops for dry eyes? A pharmacist explains.
Dry eyes are a common condition that can cause symptoms like stinging, burning, itching, redness, and a gritty sensation. These symptoms occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Choosing the right eye drops depends on how severe your symptoms are, the underlying cause of your dry eye, and your individual needs.
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Xiidra vs. Restasis: Which is better for dry eye?
Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Restasis (cyclosporine) are prescription eye drops used to treat dry eye disease, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Continue reading
Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Which medications help?
Yes, dry eyes can cause blurry or fluctuating vision. This occurs because dry eye syndrome disrupts the tear film that coats the eye’s surface, leading to uneven light refraction and irregularities on the corneal surface. Meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oily layer of the tear film, is a major contributor to this problem.
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Related medical questions
- How much is Xiidra without insurance?
- Can Restasis and Xiidra be used together?
- Can Xiidra make dry eyes worse?
- Can Xiidra eye drops cause diarrhea?
- Can dry eye syndrome cause floaters​?
- How is Xiidra packaged at the pharmacy?
- Can Xiidra cause hair loss?
- How does Xiidra differ from OTC dry eye treatments?
- Can you use Xiidra with punctal plugs?
- Can I use other eye drops with Xiidra?
- Does Xiidra cause headaches?
- Does Xiidra have preservatives in it?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Xiidra (16 questions, 21 members)
- Lifitegrast (6 questions, 3 members)