Restasis Risks and Benefits

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Restasis (cyclosporine) in 2002 for use as a prescription eye drop. As with all medications, however, there are risks and benefits associated with its use.

Indications

• Restasis is an immunosuppressive agent with anti-inflammatory properties. According to Medscape, it effectively treats chronic dry eyes associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (ocular inflammation).

Ingredients

• Data from RxList indicate that the active ingredient in Restasis is cyclosporine (0.05 percent concentration). Inactive substances, which are mixed with cyclosporine to improve its absorption in the body, include castor oil; glycerin; purified water; polysorbate 80 and carbomer 1342, emulsifiers; and sodium hydroxide.

Benefits

• With continued use, Restasis helps the eyes increase their own tear production. Unlike other cyclosporine drugs, it does not accumulate in the blood and does not increase the occurrence of bacterial or fungal eye infections.

Side Effects

• Possible side effects of Restasis include eye pain, discharge, burning, pruritus (itchy sensation), conjunctival hyperemia (redness), epiphora (overflow of tears), foreign-body sensation and blurred vision.

Precautions

• To avoid contamination, do not allow the tip of the vial to touch the eye or any surface. Restasis should not be used by people with certain conditions, including eye infection and allergy to any of the drug's ingredients.

Considerations

• Restasis has a better safety profile than other cyclosporine formulations. Note, however, that data from the FDA associate cyclosporine with an increased risk of infections kidney disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, malignancy and nervous system, endocrine and metabolic disturbances.