Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on May 8, 2025.

Applies to cyclosporine ophthalmic: ophthalmic emulsion, ophthalmic solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your eye doctor check your or your child's eyes at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

If your or your child's symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or other vision problems. If any of these occur, do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

While applying this medicine, your eyes will probably sting or burn for a short time. This is to be expected.

Other side effects

Some side effects of cyclosporine ophthalmic may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, cyclosporine ophthalmic may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking cyclosporine ophthalmic:

See also:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to cyclosporine ophthalmic: ophthalmic emulsion, ophthalmic solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were ocular burning, eye pain, eye irritation, lacrimation, ocular hyperemia, and eyelid erythema.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Ocular burning
• Common (1% to 10%): Eyelid erythema, increased lacrimation, ocular hyperemia, blurred vision, eyelid edema, conjunctival hyperemia, eye irritation, eye pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ocular bacterial keratitis, ocular herpes zoster, conjunctival edema, lacrimal disorder, eye discharge, eye pruritus, conjunctival irritation, conjunctivitis, foreign body sensation in eyes, deposit eye, keratitis, blepharitis, corneal decompensation, chalazion, corneal infiltrates, corneal scar, eyelid pruritus, iridocyclitis, epiphora, stinging^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Postmarketing side effects include: hypersensitivity (eye swelling, urticaria, rare cases of severe angioedema, face swelling, tongue swelling, pharyngeal edema and dyspnea).^[Ref]

Local

• Very common (10% or more): Instillation site pain
• Common (1% to 10%): Instillation site irritation, instillation site erythema
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Instillation site reaction, instillation site discomfort^[Ref]

Further information

Cyclosporine ophthalmic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer