Does Restasis need to be refrigerated?

Q: Does Restasis need to be refrigerated?

No, Restasis ( cyclosporine ) does not need to be refrigerated. It should be stored at room temperature, so try to avoid areas with high heat or humidity, such as bathrooms. Keep Restasis tightly closed in the container it came in. It’s also important to keep this medication away from children and in child-resistant containers. Restasis is the brand name for cyclosporine, a medication that is used to increase tear production if you have a condition called dry eyes . It was the first cyclosporine eye drop approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003. Cyclosporine is in a class of drugs called immunomodulators, and it works by decreasing swelling in your eyes. The drops are usually put in each eye 2 times per day about 12 hours apart. When using Restasis: Don’t apply the drops more or less frequently than prescribed. They 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, since this can allow bacteria to get into the eye drops. Restasis has been shown safe and effective in many studies, but, as with any medication, it can have side effects. The most common one is a temporary burning sensation, but others can include: Eye redness Discharge from the eye Watery eyes Eye pain Itching Stinging Blurred vision Dry eye disease is a common disorder that impacts more than 15 million Americans. It is more prevalent among people over 40 and especially women, likely due to hormonal factors.

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

Official Answer by Drugs.com

No, Restasis (cyclosporine) does not need to be refrigerated. It should be stored at room temperature, so try to avoid areas with high heat or humidity, such as bathrooms. Keep Restasis tightly closed in the container it came in.

It’s also important to keep this medication away from children and in child-resistant containers.

Restasis is the brand name for cyclosporine, a medication that is used to increase tear production if you have a condition called dry eyes. It was the first cyclosporine eye drop approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003.

Cyclosporine is in a class of drugs called immunomodulators, and it works by decreasing swelling in your eyes. The drops are usually put in each eye 2 times per day about 12 hours apart. When using Restasis:

Don’t apply the drops more or less frequently than prescribed.
They 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, since this can allow bacteria to get into the eye drops.

Restasis has been shown safe and effective in many studies, but, as with any medication, it can have side effects. The most common one is a temporary burning sensation, but others can include:

Eye redness
Discharge from the eye
Watery eyes
Eye pain
Itching
Stinging
Blurred vision

Dry eye disease is a common disorder that impacts more than 15 million Americans. It is more prevalent among people over 40 and especially women, likely due to hormonal factors.

References

U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus. Cyclosporine Ophthalmic. October 15, 2018. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604009.html. [Accessed July 15, 2021].
Allergan. It’s Time to Do Something About Your Type of Chronic Dry Eye. Available at: https://www.restasis.com/. [Accessed July 15, 2021].
Carlos de Oliveira R, Wilson SE. Practical guidance for the use of cyclosporine ophthalmic solutions in the management of dry eye disease. Clinical Ophthalmology.2019; 13: 1115-1122.https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S184412.
Schultz C. Safety and Efficacy of Cyclosporine in the Treatment of Chronic Dry Eye. Ophthalmology and Eye Diseases. 2014; 6: 37-42.https://dx.doi.org/10.4137%2FOED.S16067.

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

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

Does Restasis need to be refrigerated?

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

Is there a generic for Restasis eye drops?

Xiidra vs. Restasis: Which is better for dry eye?

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