Can Xiidra cause hair loss?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Aug 26, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic) should not cause hair loss. There is no indication that hair loss is a potential side effect of using Xiidra.

If you do experience hair loss while using Xiidra, tell your doctor.

There are many potential reasons for hair loss. Concurrent symptoms of dry eyes and hair loss could potentially be related to certain autoimmune conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome, alopecia (frontal fibrosing alopecia, alopecia areata), lupus and others. Your doctor will be able to help you determine the cause.

Xiidra is a prescription ophthalmic solution, meaning it should be applied directly to your eyes. Side effects occur immediately after the eye drops are administered. Some side effects of Xiidra include:

Irritation
Itching
Pain
Redness in the eyes

References

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). XIIDRA (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%, for topical ophthalmic use. June 2016. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/208073s000lbl.pdf. [Accessed August 24, 2021].
U.S. National Library of Medicine M edlinePlus. Hair Loss. Last reviewed May 16, 2019. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003246.htm. [Accessed August 24, 2021].
Furlan KC, Kakizaki P, Chartuni JC, Valente NY. Frontal fibrosing alopecia in association with Sjögren's syndrome: more than a simple coincidence. An Bras Dermatol. 2016;91(5 suppl 1):14-16. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20164526.
Ergin C, Acar M, Kaya Akış H, Gönül M, Gürdal C. Ocular findings in alopecia areata. Int J Dermatol. 2015;54(11):1315-1318. doi : 10.1111/ijd.12897.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lupus: Symptoms. Last reviewed October 17, 2018. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/basics/symptoms.htm . [Accessed August 24, 2021].

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 (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.

Can Xiidra cause hair loss?

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