Is Restasis safe for long-term use?
Yes, Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is safe for long-term use, and the potential side effects are the same regardless of how long the therapy is used. While some patients experience local side effects upon application, studies have found no serious adverse events with long-term or short-term use of Restasis.
Dry eye is a chronic condition that often requires lifelong therapy to manage symptoms and delay disease progression. Most studies have shown that Restasis must be used for 4 to 6 months to reach its maximum effect of significant symptom relief. After 6 months of twice daily application, a small minority of patients may be able to discontinue the therapy and remain symptom-free for some time.
However, after Restasis therapy ceases, most patients will eventually experience a relapse of their symptoms. In general, patients are advised to use Restasis for a minimum of 6 months, with the understanding that the vast majority will require lifelong treatment to remain symptom-free. Side effects were similar in 1-year and 3-year trials.
The potential side effects of long-term and short-term Restasis use all occur specifically in the eyes. These side effects include:
- Burning
- Redness
- Discharge
- Watering
- Itching
- Stinging
- Blurring
References
- de Oliveira RC, Wilson SE. Practical guidance for the use of cyclosporine ophthalmic solutions in the management of dry eye disease. Clin Ophthalmol. 2019;13:1115-1122. Published 2019 Jul 1. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S184412.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). RESTASIS® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05%. November 2012. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/050790s020lbl.pdf. [Accessed February 23, 2022].
Read next
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
Why is Restasis so expensive?
Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion), from Allergan, was formerly only available as a brand name prescription product. Cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion, made by Mylan, is now available as a more affordable generic option in the U.S. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- Can you get Restasis eye drops over the counter?
- Are there any Restasis withdrawal symptoms?
- Does Medicare cover Restasis?
- What is the difference between Cequa and Restasis?
- How many doses/drops are in Restasis MultiDose?
- Can Restasis and Xiidra be used together?
- Does Restasis make your eyelashes fall out?
- Is Restasis a steroid eye drop?
- Can Restasis damage your eyes?
- Is there a Restasis savings or copay card?
- How does Xiidra differ from OTC dry eye treatments?
- How many times can you use a vial of Restasis?
- Can you use other eye drops with Restasis?
- Does Restasis need to be refrigerated?
- How long does it take for Restasis to work?
- How effective is Restasis for dry eyes?
Drug information
- Restasis Information for Consumers
- Restasis prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Restasis (detailed)
- Restasis user reviews (223)
Related support groups
- Restasis (34 questions, 44 members)
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (22 questions, 14 members)