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.