Frequently Asked Questions

Chronic Dry Eye Questions
RESTASIS^® Product Information
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Chronic Dry Eye Questions

What is Chronic Dry Eye?: Chronic Dry Eye, sometimes called Dry Eye Disease or Dry Eye Syndrome, is known by the scientific name keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is a common condition that can result in inflammation on both the eye surface as well as the tear-producing glands. Over time, inflammation can decrease the eye's ability to produce tears that protect the surface of the eye and keep it moist and lubricated. This, in turn, can lead to damage to the eye's surface. If left untreated, severe forms of the condition can lead to more serious problems, including increased risk of infection and possibly vision impairment.
What are the causes of Chronic Dry Eye?: Chronic Dry Eye can be caused by inflammation of the tear-producing gland of the eye, resulting in a declining quantity of tears. It may also be caused by hormonal changes associated with aging and menopause, medical conditions such as arthritis, lupus, and Sjögren’s syndrome, and by some prescription and over-the-counter medications.
What about allergies and weather conditions?: Environmental, occupational, and lifestyle factors, such as allergies, smoke, dry air, dust, the wearing of contact lenses for extended periods of time, or prolonged computer use can aggravate Chronic Dry Eye, but they are not the cause. A cause of Chronic Dry Eye can be a dysfunction of the tear-producing gland, which can result in reduced tear production due to inflammation.
How do I know if I have Chronic Dry Eye?: Your eye doctor can check your eyes for clinical signs of Chronic Dry Eye due to inflammation. He or she also may use several quick and painless tests to measure visual clarity, tear production, eye surface dryness, and damage to the cornea or conjunctiva (the membrane that lines the eyelids). Your eye doctor will find it helpful if you describe your condition in detail.

If you routinely use artificial tears several times a day, you should see your eye doctor and ask about RESTASIS^® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% .
What do artificial tears do?: Artificial tears can provide temporary symptom relief from Chronic Dry Eye and help lubricate eyes. But they do not increase your natural ability to produce tears, which may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye.
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RESTASIS^® Product Information

How effective is RESTASIS^®?: Many patients who used RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion as directed – one drop, twice a day – began to experience a significant increase in tear production with continued use. Patients may continue to get benefits of RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion with continued use.
Is RESTASIS^® well tolerated?: RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion has a favorable safety profile. In fact, in clinical studies, there was no increase in eye infection or detectable drug absorption in the blood of patients treated with RESTASIS^® in up to 12 months of treatment. Furthermore, interaction with other drugs would not be expected.
What about the side effects of RESTASIS^®?: The most common side effect is a temporary burning sensation. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.
Who should not use RESTASIS^®?: RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion should not be used by patients with active eye infections and has not been studied in patients with a history of herpes viral infections of the eye.
How long will I have to use RESTASIS^®?: At present, there is no cure for Chronic Dry Eye. You receive benefits from RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion as long as you continue its use. Always consult with your eye doctor before discontinuing use.
Can I use RESTASIS^® with contact lenses?: RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion should not be used 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 using RESTASIS^®. Lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following administration of RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion.
Will I still need artificial tears?: RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion can be used with artificial tears. Some patients continue use of their lubricant eye drops along with their RESTASIS^® therapy. But as your eyes improve in their ability to make their own tears, you may find you don’t need them as often.
Is RESTASIS^® available over the counter?: No, you will need to see your eye doctor to obtain a prescription for RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion.
Is RESTASIS^® covered by health insurance?: If your eye doctor determines that RESTASIS^® is the appropriate treatment for you, you should know that RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion is reimbursed by many prescription plans offered by major health insurers in the United States. Reimbursement amounts vary by plan. For the specific details of your own coverage, it is always wise to consult your health insurance carrier for the most up-to-date information.
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For information regarding the My Tears, My Rewards^® Program, please go to MyTearsMyRewards.com

Important Information:

RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion helps increase your eyes’ natural ability to produce tears, which may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye. RESTASIS^® did not increase tear production in patients using topical steroid drops or tear duct plugs.

Important Safety Information:

RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion should not be used by patients with active eye infections and has not been studied in patients with a history of herpes viral infections of the eye. RESTASIS^® should not be used while wearing contact lenses. If contact lenses are worn, they should be removed prior to use.

The most common side effect is a temporary burning sensation. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision.

Please see product information for RESTASIS^® Ophthalmic Emulsion.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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