Restasis® Ophthalmic Emulsion 0.05% for Chronic Dry Eye

What Restasis® Is and How It Works

Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) is a prescription eye drop used to increase tear production in people with chronic dry eye due to inflammation, including keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is an oil-in-water emulsion supplied in single-use vials and as MultiDose. Typical use is one drop in each eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart. YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba; a licensed pharmacist reviews every prescription before dispensing, and you can order online or by phone at Canadian prices with OTC options and chat support during posted office hours. Many customers compare the restasis price without insurance to US retail and find meaningful savings here.

Cyclosporine reduces T‑cell–mediated inflammation on the ocular surface. Lower inflammation helps the lacrimal glands produce more natural tears over time. Restasis® does not provide instant lubrication like artificial tears. It works gradually and is intended for long-term management of dry eye disease.

Dosage and Usage

• Usual dose: one drop of Restasis® 0.05 ophthalmic emulsion in each affected eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
• Single-use vials: open a fresh vial for each dose. Instill in both eyes, then discard any remaining emulsion. Do not reuse.
• Multi Dose Restasis: avoid touching the tip to the eye or skin. Close the bottle after each use.
• Administration steps: wash hands; tilt head back; pull down lower eyelid; instill one drop into the conjunctival sac; close eyes gently for 1–2 minutes; avoid blinking hard.
• Separate from other eye products by at least 15 minutes. Use artificial tears as needed, spacing them from Restasis®.
• Contact lenses: remove lenses before dosing. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting.
• Missed dose: apply as soon as remembered, then return to the regular schedule. Do not double up.
• Visible particles or cloudy emulsion can be normal for this product. Do not use if the container is damaged or contaminated.

• Store at 15–25 °C (59–77 °F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
• Keep single-use vials in the foil pouch until use. Discard opened vials right after dosing.
• For travel, keep Restasis® in original packaging with your prescription label. Carry in hand luggage to avoid extreme temperatures.
• Do not leave the medication in a hot car or on a windowsill. Use an insulated pouch in very hot or cold weather.
• If a shipment arrives hot or frozen, contact customer service before use.

Benefits and Savings

Restasis® targets the inflammatory cause of dry eye and can increase natural tear production with consistent use. Many patients report less burning, fewer fluctuations, and improved comfort with screens and reading. Dosing twice daily is simple, and single-use packaging helps reduce contamination risk. It is suitable alongside preservative-free artificial tears.

You can often save 60–80% versus typical US prices when ordering from our Canadian pharmacy, which helps those tracking the restasis eye drops price and the cost of Restasis without insurance. We work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medicines, offering a broad selection at competitive pricing.

Looking for extra value? See current offers; our restasis coupon page lists any active promotions.

Side Effects and Safety

• Transient burning or stinging after instillation
• Eye redness or itching
• Excess tearing or discharge
• Foreign-body sensation
• Blurred vision after dosing
• Eyelid inflammation
• Headache or mild taste disturbance

Serious effects are uncommon. Stop use and seek medical care for severe eye pain, significant vision changes, swelling, rash, or signs of infection. Do not use with an active eye infection until cleared. Safety in children has not been established. Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding only if the prescriber determines the benefits outweigh risks.

Onset Time

Restasis® works gradually. Some patients notice early improvements in 4–6 weeks, such as less burning or fewer daytime fluctuations. Tear production and ocular-surface health often continue to improve over 3 months. Full benefits may take 3–6 months of steady, twice-daily use. Continue artificial tears as needed while therapy takes effect, spacing them 15 minutes from Restasis®.

Compare With Alternatives

Xiidra (lifitegrast 5%) is another prescription drop for dry eye. It blocks LFA‑1/ICAM‑1 interactions to reduce inflammation. Some patients feel faster symptom relief with a different side-effect profile, including dysgeusia. You can compare features with Xiidra® Ophthalmic Solution and discuss suitability with a prescriber.

Short courses of topical corticosteroids may be used to calm flares but are not for long-term daily use due to pressure and cataract risks. Antihistamine drops help allergic itching, which can mimic or worsen dryness. For allergy-driven symptoms, see Pataday®. Non-prescription artificial tears remain supportive and can be layered with Restasis®.

Combination Therapy

• Restasis® plus preservative-free artificial tears, separated by at least 15 minutes.
• Restasis® with short-term, low-dose corticosteroid per prescriber guidance for flares.
• Restasis® alongside allergy drops when allergic conjunctivitis coexists; space products 10–15 minutes.
• Punctal plugs with ongoing Restasis® in moderate to severe disease.
• Omega‑3 intake and environmental measures as supportive care.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates include adults with chronic dry eye from inflammation who need more than lubricants. Restasis® is not for active ocular infections. People with a history of herpes keratitis or recent eye surgery should use only under prescriber direction. Contact lens wearers can use Restasis®, but lenses must be removed before dosing and reinserted after 15 minutes. A Restasis prescription is required to purchase.

To lower your Restasis cost, consider a multi-month supply when appropriate. Bulk promotions may reduce the per-month price. Set gentle reorder reminders so you do not run out, since steady use is key. Ask your prescriber whether brand or a generic cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05 may fit your plan. These steps can help when tracking the restasis cost and restasis generic cost over time.

Authoritative Sources

US FDA Prescribing Information for Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05%

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Emulsion Entries

Manufacturer Product Page for Restasis

Order Restasis® from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace your healthcare professional’s advice.