Restasis (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic) is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. Restasis eye drops contain cyclosporine which is an immunosuppressant. Cyclosporine can increase tear production that has been reduced by inflammation in the eye(s). Restasis eye drops are used to treat chronic dry eye that may be caused by inflammation. It works by decreasing swelling in the eye to allow for tear production.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always use Restasis as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.

The usual dose is 1 drop in each eye twice daily. Use Restasis eye drops every 12 hours (approximately).

Wash your hands before using the eye drops.

To apply the eye drops:

• Turn the bottle upside down a few times to gently mix the medicine. Restasis eye drops should appear white in color.

• Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.

• Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.

• Wait at least 15 minutes before using artificial tears, or any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated (dirty) dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Do not use the eye drops in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Always use Restasis exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Restasis, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

You should not use Restasis if you are allergic to cyclosporine.

Do not use the drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following the administration of Restasis eye drops, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• burning, itching, stinging, redness, or pain of the eyes
• eyelid swelling
• eye discharge
• blurred vision or other vision changes
• feeling that something is in the eye
• headache

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• hives
• itching
• face, throat, eyes, and tongue swelling
• shortness of breath

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Instill the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not instill extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Restasis is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature.

Once a vial is open, use it right away and throw away any remaining medicine in the vial.

Throw away any unused vials after the expiration date.