Cyclosporine ophthalmic for Sjögren's syndrome

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
cyclosporine	Restasis

How It Works

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive medication that decreases the action of your body's immune system. Cyclosporine ophthalmic is used in eyedrop form to treat Sjögren's syndrome, a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth.

Cyclosporine ophthalmic eyedrops usually are applied twice a day, or as directed by your health professional.

Why It Is Used

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the body's moisture-producing glands and may eventually cause problems with the function of vital organs, such as the lungs, bladder, kidneys, and liver. Cyclosporine reduces the immune system's action in the glands that moisten the eyes and may reduce eye inflammation.

How Well It Works

Two recent studies report that cyclosporine ophthalmic is effective in increasing tear production, relieving blurred vision, and decreasing the use of artificial tears.¹

Side Effects

Cyclosporine ophthalmic does not cause significant side effects. Temporary side effects include eye burning, redness, tearing, discharge, pain, itching, stinging, and visual blurring.¹

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Do not apply cyclosporine ophthalmic medication while wearing contact lenses. After applying cyclosporine, wait at least 15 minutes, or as long as is advised by your health professional, to insert contact lenses.

To prevent eye infection, be careful not to contaminate the stopper by touching it to any surface.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: May 18, 2006
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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