Restasis Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

Restasis, a brand name for cyclosporine ophthalmic, is a medically-prescribed immunomodulator that is used to treat chronic dry eye caused by inflammation. Other forms of cyclosporine are used to prevent transplant rejection, rheumatic arthritis, and psoriasis.^[1]

Manufactured by Allergan, Restasis is administered twice daily in eye drop form. Each dosage comes in a single vile, to be discarded immediately after use. Patients are advised to avoid touching the tip of the vile to their eyes during application. Like most medications, Restasis may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects associated with Restasis may include redness, discharge, and a burning sensation of the eyes, as well as the sensation of a foreign object in the eye. Wearing contact lenses may diminish the effectiveness of Restasis.^[2]

Contents 1 Common Restasis Side Effects 2 Drug Side Effects 3 Restasis Allergic Reactions 4 Restasis Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Restasis Side Effects

Common side effects of Restasis include eye redness or discharge, headache, diarrhea, flushing, hair growth, breast enlargement in men, heartburn, gas, ear problems, and muscle or joint pain. More serious side effects may also occur, including pale skin, jaundice, purple blotches on skin, changes in vision, seizures, loss of consciousness, difficulty controlling body movements, and swelling of extremities.^[1]

Drug Side Effects

Restasis Allergic Reactions

Those allergic to the active ingredient in Restasis, cyclosporine, may have an allergic reaction when taking the drug. This includes allergies to the brand names Sandimmune and Neoral. Patients may also have allergic reactions to any of the inactive ingredients of Restasis. In rare cases, allergies may be severe or life threatening. Signs of severe allergies include swollen face or inside of the throat, trouble breathing, and itching.^[2]

Restasis Precautions and Warnings

• Patients who also use artificial tears are advised to use them at least 15 minutes before or after using Restasis.^[2]
• Restasis is not meant to be used with contact lenses. Patients with contact lense are advised to take them out before using Restasis and waiting at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.^[2]
• There is no research on the effects of Restasis on patients with herpes or other viral infections of the eye.^[4]
• Restasis is not intended for use by those with active eye infections.
• There is a possibility that Restasis may interfere with vision. Patients are advised not to drive a motor vehicle or perform other potentially dangerous tasks requiring clear vision until the side effects of Restasis are known.
• Patients that become pregnant while using Restasis are advised to tell their doctor.^[1]

Also See: Drug Side Effects, Restasis Coupons, Systane Coupons, Acuvue Coupons, Visine Coupons, AzaSite Coupons, Lupron Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000253/
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a604009.html#side-effects
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3} http://www.restasis.com/default.htm?x=Restasis
4. ↑ http://www.restasis.com/_learn_about/learn_prescribe.htm