Cyclosporine eye drops are used to treat a certain type
of dry eyes. They work by increasing the amount of tears you
make.
Read the Instructions for Use if available from your
pharmacist before you start using cyclosporine and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication in the affected eye(s) as directed
by your doctor, usually twice a day (about 12 hours apart).
To apply eye drops, wash hands first. To avoid
contamination, do not touch the dropper tip or let it touch your eye or any
other surface.
There are different brands of this medication available.
Some brands should be mixed before use. If your brand does not need to be
mixed before use, the liquid is clear and colorless. If your brand should
be mixed, evenly mix the eye drops by turning the vial upside down a few
times before using your dose. The mixed drops should look milky and white.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your
brand.
If you have dry eyes, contact lens wear is usually not
recommended. If you are wearing contact lenses, remove them before using
eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.
Tilt your head back, look upward, and pull down the lower eyelid to make a
pouch. Hold the dropper directly over your eye and place one drop into the
pouch. Look downward, gently close your eyes, and place one finger at the
corner of your eye (near the nose). Apply gentle pressure for 1 to 2
minutes before opening your eyes. This will prevent the medication from
draining out. Try not to blink or rub your eye. If directed to use this
medication in both eyes, repeat these steps for your other eye. Do not
rinse the dropper. Replace the dropper cap after each use.
If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as
drops or ointments), wait at least 15 minutes before applying other
medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter
the eye.
Wait several minutes for your vision to clear before
driving or operating machinery.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each
day.
If you are using the single-use form of this medication,
throw away the opened vial after use. Do not save for later
use.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets
worse.
Eye discomfort/redness/itching, feeling as if something
is in the eye, or temporary blurred vision may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- current/recent eye infection
After you apply this drug, your vision may become
temporarily blurred. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs
clear vision until you can do it safely.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.