Restasis Side Effects

Generic name: cyclosporine ophthalmic

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Feb 27, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Restasis Side Effects associated with cyclosporine ophthalmic. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Restasis.

Applies to cyclosporine ophthalmic: ophthalmic emulsion, ophthalmic solution.

Common side effects of Restasis

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:

More common side effects

• burning, pain, itching, or other discomfort of the eye
• pain upon instillation of drops
• redness of the white part of your eyes or inside of your eyelids

Less common side effects

• blurred vision
• clear or yellow fluid from the eye
• difficulty with reading
• eye irritation
• feeling of having something in the eye
• halos around lights
• headache
• itching skin
• redness, swelling, or itching of the eyelid
• sticky or matted eyelashes
• stinging
• watery eye

Serious side effects of Restasis

Along with its needed effects, cyclosporine ophthalmic (the active ingredient contained in Restasis) 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:

Less common side effects

• bladder pain
• bloody or cloudy urine
• body aches or pain
• chills
• cough
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• ear congestion
• fever
• headache
• loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• runny or stuffy nose
• sneezing
• sore throat
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

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]

Frequently asked questions

• Is there a generic for Restasis eye drops?
• Xiidra vs. Restasis: Which is better for dry eye?
• Why is Restasis so expensive?
• 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?

Further information

Restasis 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