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Lifitegrast ophthalmic

Generic name: lifitegrast ophthalmic [ LIF-e-TEG-rast-off-THAL-mik ]
Brand name: Xiidra
Dosage form: ophthalmic solution (5%)
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is lifitegrast ophthalmic?

Lifitegrast ophthalmic (for the eyes) is used to treat symptoms of dry eye disease.

Lifitegrast ophthalmic may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Lifitegrast ophthalmic side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; wheezing, difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

lifitegrast ophthalmic may cause serious side effects. Stop using lifitegrast ophthalmic and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of lifitegrast ophthalmic may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use lifitegrast if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lifitegrast ophthalmic is not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old.

How should I use lifitegrast ophthalmic?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Use your doses at regular intervals, about every 12 hours.

Do not use while wearing soft contact lenses. A preservative in lifitegrast ophthalmic could permanently stain the lenses. Use the medicine at least 15 minutes before inserting your contact lenses.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the eye drop container in its original foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine.

Each single-use eye drop container is for only one use in both eyes. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Lifitegrast ophthalmic dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Eye Dryness/Redness:

5% ophthalmic solution: 1 drop instilled into each eye 2 times a day

Comments:
-Doses should be separated by approximately 12 hours.
-The single-use container may be used to instill 1 drop in both eyes, but should be discarded immediately after use.
-Contacts should be removed before administration, and may be reinserted after 15 minutes.

Use: Treatment of the signs/symptoms of dry eye disease (DED)

Usual Pediatric Dose for Eye Dryness/Redness:

17 years and older:
5% ophthalmic solution: 1 drop instilled into each eye 2 times a day

Comments:
-Doses should be separated by approximately 12 hours.
-The single-use container may be used to instill 1 drop in both eyes, but should be discarded immediately after use.
-Contacts should be removed before administration, and may be reinserted after 15 minutes.

Use: Treatment of the signs/symptoms of DED

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of lifitegrast ophthalmic is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

What should I avoid while using lifitegrast ophthalmic?

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to.

What other drugs will affect lifitegrast ophthalmic?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Popular FAQ

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 is packaged in 60 single-use containers. It is supplied in a carton that contains 12 foil pouches containing 5 low-density polyethylene 0.2 mL single-use containers per pouch. One carton should last you one month. Continue reading

Xiidra (generic name: lifitegrast) eye drops contains lifitegrast, a prescription medication that is classified as a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist. Over-the-counter dry (OTC) eye products are referred to as "artificial tears" which are usually made of a combination of glycerin and propylene glycol used for the temporary relief of irritation due to dryness of the eye. Continue reading

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Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.