Restasis is FDA-approved to treat chronic dry eye. With this condition, you have inflammation or irritation in your eyes that causes dryness. This often results in stinging, burning, redness, or itching around your eyes. It can also cause difficulty with wearing contact lenses.

Restasis is an immunosuppressive medication that works to reduce inflammation in the tear glands, helping to prevent further damage. Some people also report recovered tear production after using this medication for long periods of time.

In general, patients are advised to use Restasis for a minimum of 6 months, with the understanding that the vast majority will require lifelong treatment to remain symptom-free. Side effects were similar in 1-year and 3-year trials.

Do not use RESTASIS® and RESTASIS MultiDose ® Ophthalmic Emulsion if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. Be careful not to touch the container tip to your eye or other surfaces, to help avoid eye injury and contamination. RESTASIS® and RESTASIS MultiDose ® should not be used while wearing contact lenses.

Kidney Problems Cyclosporine can cause a decrease in kidney function or damage to the kidney.

No, Restasis isn't a steroid. The active ingredient, cyclosporine, is an immune inhibitor. Healthcare providers often use it specifically to avoid or limit using steroids. Restasis is an immunosuppressant medication for your eyes.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS When using RESTASIS®, you might experience temporary burning or stinging. This may be a response to treatment and is the most common side effect. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.

How long does it take for RESTASIS® to work? Chronic Dry Eye is a chronic condition, and you will need to maintain therapy on an ongoing basis. Within 1 month of therapy, your eyes may start producing more of their own tears, but it could take 3 to 6 months after beginning therapy to see an increase in tear production.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS When using RESTASIS®, you might experience temporary burning or stinging. This may be a response to treatment and is the most common side effect. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.

Official answer. Restasis withdrawal symptoms do not usually occur, but clinical studies have shown that persistent dry eye symptoms may return if you stop treatment. Depending upon your symptoms, you may need 3 to 6 months of Restasis treatment before your dry eyes start to improve.

Kidney Problems Cyclosporine can cause a decrease in kidney function or damage to the kidney.

Restasis (cyclosporine) is a twice-daily, prescription eye drop for chronic dry eye that can help you make more natural tears. The most common side effect of Restasis is a burning sensation in the eye. Eye-related side effects of Restasis are generally temporary and should go away on their own with time.