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Xiidra

lifitegrast · Xiidra is a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 antagonist (prescription) containing lifitegrast, made by 2 manufacturers.

Type
Prescription
Drug class
Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 Antagonist
Route
Ophthalmic
Manufacturers
2

Xiidra ® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED).

Drug facts

Generic name
lifitegrast
Active ingredients
Lifitegrast
How it works
Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 Antagonists
Dosage forms
Solution/ drops
Label holder
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
FDA application
NDA208073
Label updated
08/18/2025

Uses

Xiidra ® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% is a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). (1)

Dosage and administration

Instill one drop of Xiidra twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart) into each eye using a single-use container. Discard the single-use container immediately after using in each eye. Contact lenses should be removed prior to the administration of Xiidra and may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration. One drop twice daily in each eye (approximately 12 hours apart). (2)

Dosage forms and strengths

Ophthalmic solution containing lifitegrast 50 mg/mL (5%). Ophthalmic solution containing lifitegrast 50 mg/mL (5%). (3)

Contraindications

Xiidra is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lifitegrast or to any of the other ingredients in the formulation [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Hypersensitivity. (4)

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4)] The most common adverse reactions (incidence 5%-25%) following the use of Xiidra were instillation-site irritation, dysgeusia, and decreased visual acuity. (6) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 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 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 five clinical trials of DED conducted with lifitegrast ophthalmic solution, 1401 patients received at least one dose of lifitegrast (1287 of which received lifitegrast 5%). The majority of patients (84%) had less than or equal to 3 months of treatment exposure. One hundred-seventy patients were exposed to lifitegrast for approximately 12 months. The majority of the treated patients were female (77%). The most common adverse reactions reported in 5%-25% of patients were instillation-site irritation, dysgeusia, and reduced visual acuity. Other adverse reactions reported in 1%-5% of the patients were blurred vision, conjunctival hyperemia, eye irritation, headache, increased lacrimation, eye discharge, eye discomfort, eye pruritus, and sinusitis. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Xiidra. 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. Rare serious cases of hypersensitivity, including anaphylactic reaction, bronchospasm, respiratory distress, pharyngeal edema, swollen tongue, urticaria, allergic conjunctivitis, dyspnea, angioedema, and allergic dermatitis have been reported. Eye swelling and rash have also been reported [see Contraindications (4)].

Use in specific populations

8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary

There are no available data on Xiidra use in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks. Intravenous (IV) administration of lifitegrast to pregnant rats, from premating through gestation day 17, did not produce teratogenicity at clinically relevant systemic exposures. Intravenous administration of lifitegrast to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis produced an increased incidence of omphalocele at the lowest dose tested, 3 mg/kg/day (400-fold the human plasma exposure at the recommended human ophthalmic dose [RHOD], based on the area under the curve [AUC] level). Since human systemic exposure to lifitegrast following ocular administration of Xiidra at the RHOD is low, the applicability of animal findings to the risk of Xiidra use in humans during pregnancy is unclear [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Data Animal Data Lifitegrast administered daily by IV injection to rats, from premating through gestation day 17, caused an increase in mean pre-implantation loss and an increased incidence of several minor skeletal anomalies at 30 mg/kg/day, representing 5,400-fold the human plasma exposure at the RHOD of Xiidra, based on AUC. No teratogenicity was observed in the rat at 10 mg/kg/day (460-fold the human plasma exposure at the RHOD, based on AUC). In the rabbit, an increased incidence of omphalocele was observed at the lowest dose tested, 3 mg/kg/day (400-fold the human plasma exposure at the RHOD, based on AUC), when administered by IV injection daily from gestation days 7 through 19. A fetal no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was not identified in the rabbit. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of lifitegrast in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. However, systemic exposure to lifitegrast from ocular administration is low [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered, along with the mother’s clinical need for Xiidra and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Xiidra. 8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 17 years have not been established. 8.5 Geriatric Use No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger adult patients.

Pregnancy

Risk Summary There are no available data on Xiidra use in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks. Intravenous (IV) administration of lifitegrast to pregnant rats, from premating through gestation day 17, did not produce teratogenicity at clinically relevant systemic exposures. Intravenous administration of lifitegrast to pregnant rabbits during organogenesis produced an increased incidence of omphalocele at the lowest dose tested, 3 mg/kg/day (400-fold the human plasma exposure at the recommended human ophthalmic dose [RHOD], based on the area under the curve [AUC] level). Since human systemic exposure to lifitegrast following ocular administration of Xiidra at the RHOD is low, the applicability of animal findings to the risk of Xiidra use in humans during pregnancy is unclear [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Data Animal Data Lifitegrast administered daily by IV injection to rats, from premating through gestation day 17, caused an increase in mean pre-implantation loss and an increased incidence of several minor skeletal anomalies at 30 mg/kg/day, representing 5,400-fold the human plasma exposure at the RHOD of Xiidra, based on AUC. No teratogenicity was observed in the rat at 10 mg/kg/day (460-fold the human plasma exposure at the RHOD, based on AUC). In the rabbit, an increased incidence of omphalocele was observed at the lowest dose tested, 3 mg/kg/day (400-fold the human plasma exposure at the RHOD, based on AUC), when administered by IV injection daily from gestation days 7 through 19. A fetal no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was not identified in the rabbit.

Use in children

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients below the age of 17 years have not been established.

Use in older adults

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness have been observed between elderly and younger adult patients.

Description

The chemical name for lifitegrast is (S)-2-(2-(benzofuran-6-carbonyl)-5,7-dichloro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-6-carboxamido)-3-(3-(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)propanoic acid. The molecular formula of lifitegrast is C 29 H 24 Cl 2 N 2 O 7 S and its molecular weight is 615.5 g/mol. The structural formula of lifitegrast is: *Chiral center Lifitegrast is a white to off-white powder, which is soluble in water. Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% is a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist supplied as a sterile, clear, colorless to slightly brownish-yellow colored, isotonic solution of lifitegrast with a pH of 7.0-8.0, and an osmolality range of 200-330 mOsmol/kg. Xiidra contains Active: lifitegrast 50 mg/mL; Inactives: sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate, and water for injection. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH). Chemical Structure

How it works

Lifitegrast binds to the integrin LFA-1, a cell surface protein found on leukocytes and blocks the interaction of LFA-1 with its cognate ligand intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). ICAM-1 may be overexpressed in corneal and conjunctival tissues in DED. LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction can contribute to the formation of an immunological synapse resulting in T-cell activation and migration to target tissues. In vitro studies demonstrated that lifitegrast may inhibit T-cell adhesion to ICAM-1 in a human T-cell line and may inhibit secretion of inflammatory cytokines in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The exact mechanism of action of lifitegrast in DED is not known.

How supplied

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% (50 mg/mL) is supplied in a foil pouch containing 5 low-density polyethylene 0.2 mL single-use containers. Carton of 60 single-use containers NDC 0078-0911-12 Storage: Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Store single-use containers in the original foil pouch.

Forms and strengths

From the FDA NDC Directory · 2 product codes

Dosage formStrengthRouteNDCs
Solution/ drops50 mg/mLophthalmic2

What pharmacies pay

National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC), week of 10/21/2026

All prices

Pharmacies paid about $11.83 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), 16,243 reports that list lifitegrast, 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

  • Eye irritation2,741
  • Vision blurred2,634
  • Drug ineffective1,600
  • Eye pain1,419
  • Instillation site pain1,283
  • Dry eye1,167
  • Dysgeusia1,104
  • Instillation site reaction1,019
  • Ocular hyperemia692
  • Lacrimation increased628

To report a side effect, use FDA MedWatch.

Manufacturers and labels

2 FDA labels

  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals CorporationShown hereNDA208073 · Label 08/18/2025 · NDC 0078-0911Full label
  • Bausch & Lomb IncorporatedNDA208073 · Label 11/21/2024 · NDC 24208-911Full label

Related recalls

FDA drug recalls that name this drug or its active ingredient

All drug recalls

Xiidra: common questions

What is Xiidra used for?
Xiidra ® (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5% is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED).
What are the side effects of Xiidra?
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications (4)] The most common adverse reactions (incidence 5%-25%) following the use of Xiidra were instillation-site irritation, dysgeusia, and... See the full side effects section on this page, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about any side effect that bothers you.
Is Xiidra a prescription drug?
Yes. Xiidra is a prescription (Rx) drug.
Are there other products with the same active ingredient as Xiidra?
Yes. Other FDA-listed products with the same active ingredients include Lifitegrast.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA drug label (SPL) and NDC Directory · Last updated 08/18/2025 · Label text is shown as published by the manufacturer. Not medical advice