How many times can you use a vial of Restasis?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on July 22, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Restasis is an eyedrop medication that’s used to treat dry eye disease. Each dose comes in a single-use vial that should only be used once. The vial and any remaining contents should then be discarded.

Restasis is the brand name of a drug called cyclosporine, and it works by decreasing swelling in the eye.

Usage

To use Restasis:

Turn the vial upside down a few times until the liquid is white and mixed together before using.
The eye drop should be used twice a day, about 12 hours apart.
The drops should only be used in the eyes and never swallowed or applied to the skin.
Be careful not to let the dropper tip touch your eyes, fingers, face or any other surface because this may give bacteria the chance to get into the eye drops.
If you wear contact lenses, they should be removed before applying Restasis.
You should wait at least 15 minutes before applying other eye drops, such as artificial tears.

Side effects

Restasis can have side effects. The most common one is a temporary burning sensation, but others can include:

Eye redness
Discharge
Watery eyes
Eye pain
Itching
Stinging
Blurred vision

Storage

Restasis should be stored only at room temperature. Don’t keep it in the bathroom or other areas with high humidity in your home. As with all medications, keep it tightly closed in the container it comes in and stored away from children.

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.

Is there a generic for Restasis eye drops?

The generic option for Restasis eye drops known as cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion. The generic product contains the same active ingredient as the brand name product. It comes as a 0.05% strength in a package that contains 30 or 60 single-dose vials. 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.

How many times can you use a vial of Restasis?

Usage

Side effects

Storage

Read next

What are the best eye drops for dry eyes? A pharmacist explains.

Is there a generic for Restasis eye drops?

Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Which medications help?

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