Restasis (Cyclosporine 0.05%)

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) is a prescription eye drop that helps increase your eyes' natural ability to produce tears. It's one of the most widely prescribed treatments for dry eye disease.

Official website: restasis.com

Prescription drops are one part of dry-eye care; a broader dry-eye evaluation can look for tear-film, surface, and eyelid-gland contributors.

Restasis Generic Name and Generic Cyclosporine 0.05%

The generic name for Restasis is cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%. FDA-approved generic cyclosporine 0.05% is considered bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to Restasis; see cyclosporine eye drops for a focused comparison of Restasis, generic cyclosporine, and Cequa.

Is Restasis Available Over the Counter?

Restasis and generic cyclosporine 0.05% are prescription-only eye drops in the United States. Over-the-counter artificial tears provide immediate lubrication, while Restasis treats ocular-surface inflammation over time and requires a prescription.

How It Works

Restasis contains cyclosporine, an immunomodulator that:

• Reduces inflammation on the eye surface
• Allows your tear glands to function better
• Helps restore natural tear production
• Targets the underlying inflammation that drives dry-eye symptoms

Common Uses

• Dry eye disease with reduced tear production
• When over-the-counter artificial tears aren't enough
• May be used with other dry eye treatments
• Not for immediate symptom relief

Restasis Dosage and How to Use

• Dosing: One drop in each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart
• Instillation: Wash hands, tilt head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid, and apply the drop without touching the tip to your eye or another surface
• After instillation: Close eyes gently for 1-2 minutes
• Contact lenses: Remove before use; wait 15 minutes before reinserting
• Artificial tears: Leave 15 minutes between Restasis and lubricant eye drops; ask your clinician about spacing other prescribed eye medicines

Single-Use Vials

Before opening, invert the vial a few times until the emulsion is uniformly white and opaque. Use it for the prescribed dose, then discard the vial immediately, including any remaining medicine. Do not save an opened single-use vial for the next dose.

Restasis MultiDose Bottle

Follow the bottle's instructions for removing the shipping cover, pull tab, and protective cap. Before the first use only, prime the bottle by squeezing two drops onto a tissue without touching the tissue with the tip. Before each dose, turn the bottle upside down a few times to mix the medicine. Replace the protective cap after use. The MultiDose bottle is reused as directed on its label; the single-use-vial disposal instruction does not apply to it.

What to Expect

Timeline

• Week 1-4: May not notice much difference; some patients experience more discomfort initially
• Month 1-3: Gradual improvement may begin
• Month 3-6: Full effect typically achieved
• Ongoing: Continue use to maintain benefits

Important Points

• Keep using artificial tears as needed for comfort
• Don't give up too soon; it takes time
• Consistent use is key to success

Restasis Side Effects

Common

• Burning or stinging upon instillation (occurs in about 15-20% of patients)
• Eye redness
• Discharge
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision (temporary)

Less Common

• Eye pain
• Foreign body sensation
• Itching
• Visual disturbance

Managing Burning

• Often improves with continued use
• Refrigerating drops may help
• Use preservative-free artificial tears before Restasis
• Some patients find improvement after a few weeks

Precautions

• Eye infections: Don't use during active eye infection
• Contact lenses: Remove before use; wait 15 minutes to reinsert
• Herpes keratitis history: Use with caution
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Discuss with doctor

Cost and Insurance

• Generic available: Cyclosporine 0.05% emulsion
• Insurance coverage varies
• Generic may be more affordable
• Manufacturer savings programs may be available

For a full side-by-side comparison of all prescription dry eye medications, see comparing dry eye prescription drops.

Restasis vs. Other Options

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I need to use Restasis?

Dry eye is usually a chronic condition. Most patients use Restasis indefinitely to maintain improvement. Stopping treatment often allows ocular-surface inflammation and symptoms to become active again.

Why does Restasis burn?

Cyclosporine can cause temporary discomfort upon instillation in some patients. This often improves with continued use. Refrigerating the drops or using artificial tears beforehand may help.

Can I use Restasis with artificial tears?

Yes, and you should! Restasis works on the underlying inflammation but takes time to work. Artificial tears provide immediate comfort. Just wait 15 minutes between different drops.

What if Restasis isn't working for me?

Make sure you've used it consistently for at least 3-6 months before concluding it doesn't work. If ineffective, alternatives include Cequa, Xiidra, or other dry eye treatments.

Can Restasis cure my dry eye?

Restasis controls dry eye but doesn't cure it. Like many chronic conditions, ongoing treatment is usually needed to maintain benefits.

References

• DailyMed. RESTASIS single-use cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%: prescribing information.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. RESTASIS MULTIDOSE prescribing information and instructions for use. Revised August 2025.