Restasis Unit Dose and/or Equivalents

Restasis Unit Dose (Cyclosporine)

Restasis Unit Dose Description

Restasis is an ophthalmic medication that treats dry eye condition. It is an emulsion that works by increasing the normal tear secretion in the eyes. Restasis is prescribed by doctors for patients whose normal tear secretion is hampered due to any inflammation, swelling or other causes that interferes with the normal production and secretion of tears by the eyes. Restasis emulsion is specifically recommended for people who are suffering from chronic dry eye condition. This eye drop is available in a vial or dropper meant for single use i.e. the medicine contained in one vial is enough for applying one dose of the medication to both the eyes at a time. The active ingredient in Restasis is 0.05% cyclosporine and the medication appears as a white coloured opaque to translucent emulsion that is homogenous throughout. A 0.9ml LOPE vial contains 0.4ml of cyclosporine 0.05% emulsion and the eye drop is sold in polypropylene trays with easy-to-peel aluminium lids. Each such tray contains thirty vials of Restasis Unit Dose. You can also buy a larger tray containing sixty vials (one month supply) as no vial is sold on the loose. Restasis also contains inactive ingredients like castor oil, glycerine, carbomer copolymer type A, purified water, polysorbate 80 and sodium hydroxide to maintain the pH level. It is manufactured by Allergen which also markets it throughout Canada.

Conditions Treated by Restasis Unit Dose

This eye drop is prescribed in patients who have not seen any improvement in tear secretion even after using conventional anti-inflammatory medications. Currently, Restasis is the only prescription based ophthalmic product that is used to treat ocular inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome (medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Dry eye is a progressive disease that can lead to serious complications in your eyes if left untreated for long. Any changes in the health of your tear glands can lead to a condition wherein the tear film in your eyes no longer provide adequate protection or nourishment to your eyes. Both the quality and quantity of tears produced is hampered leading to a condition of chronic dryness in your eyes. Restasis is the only FDA approved eye drop that works to increase the natural ability of your eyes to produce tears adequately and efficiently.

Restasis Unit Dose Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

Restasis emulsion is available in a single strength of cyclosporine 0.05% and the standard dose is same for all patients. Apply one drop of Restasis two times a day in each eye, maintaining a twelve hour interval between applications. It can be used concomitantly with artificial tears or eye lubricants; however you must ensure a gap of at least fifteen minutes between applying the two products. Gently shake the vial a few times till an opaque homogenous white emulsion is obtained before instilling Restasis in your eyes.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have missed applying a scheduled dose, do not apply two doses together to compensate for the missed dose. Instil the usual dose as soon as you remember having missed it or skip it altogether if the time is too near for your next dose.

c.) Overdosing

Although no specific indications or reactions of Restasis overdose have been reported, it is advisable to consult your medical caregiver immediately if you have accidentally instilled too much of Restasis in your eyes. Typical syndromes of overdosing may include itching or burning sensation in your eyes and watery eyes accompanied with general discomfort. However, if you have accidentally swallowed Restasis, you are likely to suffer from headaches, diarrhea, abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting, hypertension, anxiety, sweating or increase in heart rate. Seek urgent medical attention for supportive care in case of an overdose.

Restasis Unit Dose Warnings

As with any other medicine, it is best to use Restasis after knowing thoroughly all its benefits and side effects. Always share with your doctor or pharmacist any past or present history or medical complications. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to cyclosporine which is the prime ingredient in Restasis. The eye drop also contains other inactive ingredients which might interact with other medicines you are taking or which may not be tolerated by your body. Be sure to discuss in detail every aspect before beginning your treatment. Use the contents of your vial immediately after opening it. Never store unused eye drop in an opened vial for future use. Restasis should not be used if you are suffering from any infection in the eyes. Always mix the emulsion well before using. Invert the vial a few times in order to get a homogenous emulsion. To prevent contamination, make sure that the dropper tip of the vial does not come in contact with any surface or your eye surface. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after using Restasis. If you are wearing contact lenses, take them out before applying Restasis. Never apply the eye drop while you are still wearing your lenses. Wait for fifteen minutes after application of medicine before wearing your lenses again. Discuss with your doctor the safety of using Restasis if you are pregnant, want to become so while under medication or if you are nursing a baby. Always follow the prescribed dose and never overdose. Restasis should never be used on a need-based urgency as it is not an artificial tear or eye lubricant brand.

Restasis Unit Dose Side Effects

If you are using Restasis, the most common side effect you are likely to experience is a burning sensation in your eyes which occurs in about seventeen percent of the patients. Other common adverse effects include watery discharge from the eyes, pain in the eyes, stinging, itching (pruritus), epiphora, conjunctival hyperemia (red eye), or visual disturbances like blurring. Another common side effect is the sensation of any foreign particle in your eyes. Restasis is well-tolerated by most patients. Even then, minor side effects as enumerated above, can be treated easily by a medical caregiver by prescribing simple medication. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects, though these are less frequent:

• Severe intolerance to the eye drop
• Any persistent eye irritation which worsens with regular use of Restasis
• Any allergic symptoms like hives, wheezing, swelling in the mouth or throat due to unexplained causes, breathing difficulty or any inconvenience in swallowing

Restasis Unit Dose Drug Interactions

Restasis is a safe prescription eye drop for treatment of dry eye condition. Though no major drug interactions have been reported with Restasis, it is better to consult your doctor before taking the medication. Share all information about any other medications that you are using presently including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, herbal preparations or ever dietary supplements.

If you have any questions about buying discount Restasis Unit Dose online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Restasis Unit Dose and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information