Health Library

Cyclosporine (Into the eye)

Cyclosporine (sye-kloe-SPOR-een)

Treats dry eye disease and allergic eye disease.

Brand Name(s):

Cequa, Restasis, Restasis Multidose, Verkazia, Vevye

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid Mixture, Liquid, Drop

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Cequa™ or Restasis™:
  • Turn the package upside down a few times to mix the medicine before you use it. Use the medicine right away after you open the package.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops into the pocket made between your lower lid and eyeball. Gently close your eyes. Place your index finger over the inner corner of your eye for 1 minute. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye.
  • You might not use all of the medicine in each Cequa™ vial. Use each vial only one time. Do not save an open vial.
  • Wait at least 15 minutes before you use other lubricant eye drops (including artificial tears).
• Verkazia®:
  • Shake the eye drops well just before each use.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • Hold the dropper close to your eye with the other hand. Drop the correct number of drops onto your eye. Blink a few times so that the medicine spreads across your eye. Press the corner of your eye closest to your nose and gently close your eyelids for 2 minutes. Do not rinse or wipe the dropper or allow it to touch anything, including your eye.
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before you use other eye products (including eye ointment, gel, or other thick eye drops).
• Vevye®:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Lie down or tilt your head back. With your index finger, pull down the lower lid of your eye to form a pocket.
  • Wait at least 15 minutes before you use other eye drops.
• You might not use all of the medicine in each vial. Use each vial only one time. Do not save an open vial.
• If you wear contact lenses, take them out before you use this medicine. Wait at least 15 minutes before you put your contact lenses back in.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose:
  • Cequa™, Restasis™, or Vevye®: Apply a dose as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and apply a regular dose. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Verkazia®: Skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not apply extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an eye infection.
• If you hurt your eye, develop an eye infection, or need to have eye surgery, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to change your medicine or stop using it.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision or other changes in vision
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Mild, brief burning in your eyes
• Red, watery, or itchy eyes

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024