Skip to main content

Can Xiidra cause hair loss?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Aug 24, 2023.

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
  1. 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].
  2. 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].
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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].

Read next

Only use Xiidra and Restasis together if your doctor has recommended this treatment. Both drugs are used to treat dry eye disease and inflammation and you would not usually need to combine them. Both Xiidra and Restasis can be linked with similar side effects such as eye burning, stinging and irritation. Continue reading

Xiidra (lifitegrast 5%) costs around $748 for a 30-day prescription if you are paying cash using an online coupon. Xiidra is an eye drop used for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Continue reading

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic) should not make dry eyes worse. If you notice a worsening of dry eyes during treatment with Xiidra, it is important to talk to your doctor about why this may be occurring and whether to try a different treatment. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups

Medical Disclaimer