How It Works
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive
medicine that decreases the action of your body's
immune system. Cyclosporine ophthalmic is used in
eyedrop form to treat
Sjögren's syndrome, a disease that causes dry eyes and
mouth.
Cyclosporine ophthalmic eyedrops usually are applied twice
a day, or as directed by your doctor.
Why It Is Used
Sjögren's syndrome is an
autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks
the body's moisture-producing glands and may eventually cause problems with the
function of vital organs, such as the lungs, bladder, kidneys, and liver.
Cyclosporine reduces the immune system's action in the glands that moisten the
eyes and may reduce eye
inflammation.
How Well It Works
Studies report that cyclosporine
ophthalmic is effective in increasing tear production, relieving blurred
vision, and decreasing the use of artificial tears.1
Side Effects
Cyclosporine ophthalmic does not cause
lasting side effects. Temporary side effects include eye burning, redness,
tearing, discharge, pain, itching, stinging, and visual blurring.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is
not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Do not apply cyclosporine
ophthalmic medicine while wearing contact lenses. After you apply cyclosporine,
wait at least 15 minutes, or as long as is advised by your doctor, to insert
contact lenses.
To prevent eye infection, be careful not to
contaminate the stopper by touching it to any surface, including your eyes,
your hands, the sink, or the countertop.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?)
to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
-
Ophthalmic cyclosporine (Restatis) for dry eye
disease (2003). Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, 45(W1157B): 42–43.
