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Rx

Restasis

cyclosporine · Restasis is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant (prescription) containing cyclosporine, made by Allergan, Inc..

Type
Prescription
Drug class
Calcineurin Inhibitor Immunosuppressant
Route
Ophthalmic
Manufacturers
1
+ 1 repackager labels

IN DICATIONS AND USAGE RESTASIS ® ophthalmic emulsion is indicated to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Related recalls

FDA drug recalls that name this drug or its active ingredient

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Uses

1 IN DICATIONS AND USAGE RESTASIS ® ophthalmic emulsion is indicated to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Increased tear production was not seen in patients currently taking topical anti-inflammatory drugs or using punctal plugs. RESTASIS is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant indicated to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Increased tear production was not seen in patients currently taking topical anti-inflammatory drugs or using punctal plugs. (1)

Dosage and administration

2 D OSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Invert the unit dose vial a few times to obtain a uniform, white, opaque emulsion before using. Instill one drop of RESTASIS ophthalmic emulsion twice a day in each eye approximately 12 hours apart. RESTASIS can be used concomitantly with lubricant eye drops, allowing a 15-minute interval between products. Discard vial immediately after use. Instill one drop of RESTASIS ophthalmic emulsion twice a day in each eye approximately 12 hours apart. (2)

Dosage forms and strengths

Ophthalmic emulsion containing cyclosporine 0.5 mg/mL Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.5 mg/mL (3)

Contraindications

4 C ONTRAINDICATIONS RESTASIS is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the formulation. Hypersensitivity (4)

Warnings and precautions

5 W ARNINGS AND P RECAUTIONS To avoid the potential for eye injury and contamination, be careful not to touch the vial tip to your eye or other surfaces. (5.1) 5. 1 Potential for Eye Injury and Contamination Be careful not to touch the vial tip to your eye or other surfaces to avoid potential for eye injury and contamination. 5.2 Use with Contact Lenses RESTASIS should not be administered while wearing contact lenses. Patients with decreased tear production typically should not wear contact lenses. If contact lenses are worn, they should be removed prior to the administration of the emulsion. Lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration of RESTASIS ophthalmic emulsion.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

6 A DVERSE R EACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Potential for Eye Injury and Contamination [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] The most common adverse reaction following the use of RESTASIS was ocular burning (17%). (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie at 1-800-678-1605 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In clinical trials, the most common adverse reaction following the use of RESTASIS was ocular burning (17%). Other reactions reported in 1% to 5% of patients included conjunctival hyperemia, discharge, epiphora, eye pain, foreign body sensation, pruritus, stinging, and visual disturbance (most often blurring). 6.2 Post-marketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of RESTASIS. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Reported reactions have included: hypersensitivity (including eye swelling, urticaria, rare cases of severe angioedema, face swelling, tongue swelling, pharyngeal edema, and dyspnea); and superficial injury of the eye (from the vial tip touching the eye during administration).

Use in specific populations

8 U SE IN SPECIFIC P OPULATIONS

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary

Clinical administration of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% is not detected systemically following topical ocular administration [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug. Oral administration of cyclosporine to pregnant rats or rabbits did not produce teratogenicity at clinically relevant doses [see Data]. Data Animal Data At maternally toxic doses (30 mg/kg/day in rats and 100 mg/kg/day in rabbits), cyclosporine oral solution (USP) was teratogenic as indicated by increased pre- and postnatal mortality, reduced fetal weight and skeletal retardations. These doses (normalized to body surface area) are 5,000 and 32,000 times greater, respectively, than the daily recommended human dose of one drop (approximately 28 mcL) of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% twice daily into each eye of a 60 kg person (0.001 mg/kg/day), assuming that the entire dose is absorbed. No evidence of embryofetal toxicity was observed in rats or rabbits receiving cyclosporine during organogenesis at oral doses up to 17 mg/kg/day or 30 mg/kg/day, respectively. These doses in rats and rabbits are approximately 3,000 and 10,000 times greater, respectively, than the daily recommended human dose. An oral dose of 45 mg/kg/day cyclosporine administered to rats from Day 15 of pregnancy until Day 21 postpartum produced maternal toxicity and an increase in postnatal mortality in offspring. This dose is 7,000 times greater than the daily recommended human dose. No adverse effects in dams or offspring were observed at oral doses up to 15 mg/kg/day (2,000 times greater than the daily recommended human dose). 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Cyclosporine is known to appear in human milk following systemic administration, but its presence in human milk following topical treatment has not been investigated. Although blood concentrations are undetectable following topical administration of RESTASIS ophthalmic emulsion [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], caution should be exercised when RESTASIS is administered to a nursing woman. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for RESTASIS and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed child from cyclosporine. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 16. 8.5 Geriatric Use No overall difference in safety or effectiveness has been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Pregnancy

Risk Summary Clinical administration of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% is not detected systemically following topical ocular administration [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)], and maternal use is not expected to result in fetal exposure to the drug. Oral administration of cyclosporine to pregnant rats or rabbits did not produce teratogenicity at clinically relevant doses [see Data]. Data Animal Data At maternally toxic doses (30 mg/kg/day in rats and 100 mg/kg/day in rabbits), cyclosporine oral solution (USP) was teratogenic as indicated by increased pre- and postnatal mortality, reduced fetal weight and skeletal retardations. These doses (normalized to body surface area) are 5,000 and 32,000 times greater, respectively, than the daily recommended human dose of one drop (approximately 28 mcL) of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% twice daily into each eye of a 60 kg person (0.001 mg/kg/day), assuming that the entire dose is absorbed. No evidence of embryofetal toxicity was observed in rats or rabbits receiving cyclosporine during organogenesis at oral doses up to 17 mg/kg/day or 30 mg/kg/day, respectively. These doses in rats and rabbits are approximately 3,000 and 10,000 times greater, respectively, than the daily recommended human dose. An oral dose of 45 mg/kg/day cyclosporine administered to rats from Day 15 of pregnancy until Day 21 postpartum produced maternal toxicity and an increase in postnatal mortality in offspring. This dose is 7,000 times greater than the daily recommended human dose. No adverse effects in dams or offspring were observed at oral doses up to 15 mg/kg/day (2,000 times greater than the daily recommended human dose).

Use in children

Safety and efficacy have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 16.

Use in older adults

No overall difference in safety or effectiveness has been observed between elderly and younger patients.

Description

11 D ESCRIPTION RESTASIS (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% contains a topical calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant with anti-inflammatory effects. Cyclosporine’s chemical name is Cyclo[[(E)-(2 S ,3 R ,4 R)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(methylamino)-6-octenoyl]-L-2-aminobutyryl- N -methylglycyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl-L-valyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl-L-alanyl-D-alanyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl- N -methyl-L-leucyl- N -methyl-L-valyl] and it has the following structure: Structural Formula Formula: C 62 H 111 N 11 O 12 Mol. Wt.: 1202.6 Cyclosporine is a fine white powder. RESTASIS appears as a white opaque to slightly translucent homogeneous emulsion. It has an osmolality of 230 to 320 mOsmol/kg and a pH of 6.5-8.0. Each mL of RESTASIS ophthalmic emulsion contains: Active: cyclosporine 0.05%. Inactives: glycerin; castor oil; polysorbate 80; carbomer copolymer type A; purified water; and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH. The following structure for RESTASIS® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% contains a topical calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant with anti-inflammatory effects. Cyclosporine’s chemical name is Cyclo[[(E)-(2S,3R,4R)-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-(methylamino)-6-octenoyl]-L-2-aminobutyryl-N-methylglycyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-L-valyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-L-alanyl-D-alanyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-N-methyl-L-leucyl-N-methyl-L-valyl].

How it works

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent when administered systemically. In patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca, cyclosporine emulsion is thought to act as a partial immunomodulator. The exact mechanism of action is not known.

How supplied

16 H OW SUPPLIED /S TORAGE AND H ANDLING RESTASIS ophthalmic emulsion is packaged in sterile, preservative-free single-use vials. Each vial contains 0.4 mL fill in a 0.9 mL LDPE vial; 30 or 60 vials are packaged in a polypropylene tray with an aluminum peelable lid. The entire contents of each tray (30 vials or 60 vials) must be dispensed intact. 30 Vials 0.4 mL each - NDC 0023-9163-30 60 Vials 0.4 mL each - NDC 0023-9163-60 Storage: Store at 15°-25 °C (59°-77 °F).

Forms and strengths

From the FDA NDC Directory · 2 product codes

Dosage formStrengthRouteNDCs
Emulsion.5 mg/mLophthalmic2

What pharmacies pay

National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), week of 10/28/2026

All prices

Pharmacies paid about $10.31 to $10.31 per tablet, capsule or unit across 2 package codes.

NADAC is a survey of what retail pharmacies pay to buy a drug. It is not the price you pay at the counter, which depends on your insurance and the pharmacy.

Side effect reports to FDA

FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), 110,609 reports that list cyclosporine, data through 07/30/2026

Anyone can report a problem to FDA, and a report does not mean the drug caused the problem. Reports can be duplicated or incomplete, and counts depend on how widely a drug is used. Do not stop or change a medicine because of this list. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Most often reported reactions

  • Drug ineffective12,918
  • Off label use9,566
  • Eye irritation7,987
  • Product use in unapproved indication4,320
  • Pyrexia4,170
  • Eye pain3,891
  • Nausea3,756
  • Diarrhea3,723
  • Headache3,717
  • Fatigue3,489

To report a side effect, use FDA MedWatch.

Manufacturers and labels

2 FDA labels · 1 from repackagers

  • Allergan, Inc.Shown hereNDA050790 · Label 09/09/2024 · NDC 0023-9163Full label
Repackager labels (1)
  • A-S Medication Solutions05/24/2024

Restasis: common questions

What is Restasis used for?
IN DICATIONS AND USAGE RESTASIS ® ophthalmic emulsion is indicated to increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
What are the side effects of Restasis?
A DVERSE R EACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Potential for Eye Injury and Contamination [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] The most common adverse reaction following the use of RESTASIS was ocular... See the full side effects section on this page, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that bothers you.
Is Restasis a prescription drug?
Yes. Restasis is a prescription (Rx) drug.
Are there other products with the same active ingredient as Restasis?
Yes. Other FDA-listed products with the same active ingredients include Cyclosporine, Verkazia, Cequa, CycloSPORINE, Modfied.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA drug label (SPL) and NDC Directory · Last updated 09/09/2024 · Label text is shown as published by the manufacturer. Not medical advice

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