Restasis is a brand-name medication for dry eye disease. It’s one of the few proven treatments for this condition, which can often cause itching, burning, redness, and watery eyes. People with dry eye may not be able to produce enough tears or they may have an imbalance of the proteins that make up their tears. These conditions can lead to a build-up of mucus in the tear ducts and conjunctival sac (the outermost layer of the eyeball).
Restasis reduces inflammation and moisture loss in the eyes. It contains cyclosporine, a drug originally created to prevent rejection after organ transplants. It also has artificial versions of two natural oils found in human tears: palmitoylethanolamide and linoleic acid. Here’s what you should know about Restasis and dry eye disease…
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye is a chronic eye condition that leads to tear production issues. Dry eye is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). It’s a common condition that usually affects people over the age of 50, especially women. Dry eye is caused by reduced tear production. The tear film normally acts as a barrier that keeps the eye hydrated.
When this barrier is compromised, your eyes will get irritated and you’ll experience symptoms like itching, burning, redness, and blurred vision. Dry eye may be an ongoing condition that you’ll need to manage throughout your life. It can be caused by a number of different things, including genetics, certain medications, and environmental factors like low humidity. There are also certain eye diseases that can cause dry eye, including Sjögren’s syndrome and lupus.
How does Restasis Work?
Restasis contains cyclosporine, a drug originally created to prevent rejection after organ transplants. Cyclosporine is a type of immunosuppressant medication that calms inflammation. It also has artificial versions of two natural oils found in human tears: palmitoylethanolamide and linoleic acid. These ingredients work together to reduce inflammation and moisture loss in the eyes. Cyclosporine can also change the way your eyes produce tears.
Although it’s not entirely clear how this works, it may help your eyes produce more tears. Restasis is the only approved treatment for dry eye disease. It comes in oral drops and in eye gels. The drops are used twice daily, while the gels are used once a day.
Restasis is a powerful drug. It can lead to a number of negative side effects, including raised blood pressure, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. People with certain chronic illnesses should not take Restasis. This includes people with high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. You should also avoid taking Restasis if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Restasis can also harm children. It’s not recommended for use in kids under age 12.
Who Shouldn’t Take Restasis?
People with certain health conditions should not take Restasis. People with high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases should avoid this drug. You should be cautious if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Children under the age of 12 should not take Restasis. Restasis can also harm unborn babies if taken while pregnant.
Is there a Generic Version of Restasis?
Yes. There is a generic version of Restasis. The brand-name version is made by Allergan. The generic version is made by Mylan. Allergan is currently trying to extend the patent for Restasis. This would mean that the cheaper generic version would not be available for as long. If you believe you have dry eye, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They will perform a thorough eye exam to confirm a diagnosis of dry eye and recommend a treatment plan.
Conclusion:
Dry eye is a chronic eye condition that leads to tear production issues. Dry eye is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). It’s a common condition that usually affects people over the age of 50, especially women. Dry eye is caused by reduced tear production. Restasis is the only FDA-approved treatment for dry eye disease.
It comes in oral drops and in eye gels. The drops are used twice daily, while the gels are used once a day. Restasis can lead to a number of negative side effects, including raised blood pressure, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.