How does lifitegrast help with dry eye disease?

Lifitegrast targets a pathway involved in ocular surface inflammation. It blocks the interaction between LFA-1 and ICAM-1 on certain immune cells. By reducing inflammatory activity, it may lessen signs and symptoms such as burning, irritation, and fluctuating vision. It is not an artificial tear and does not replace lubricating drops. Many patients use non-preserved tears as needed, with appropriate spacing from prescription therapy. Your eye care professional will advise on monitoring and follow-up.

Can I use the drops with contact lenses?

Yes, but remove lenses before dosing. Instill one drop in each eye, then wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses. This helps prevent lens interaction with the solution and supports comfort. If you wear scleral lenses, your timing could differ; ask your prescriber for tailored guidance. Always avoid touching the container tip to the eye or lens. If irritation persists with lens wear, schedule an eye check to rule out other issues.

What should I do if the drops sting or taste unusual?

A brief stinging sensation is a commonly reported effect and usually settles quickly. Some people notice a temporary unusual taste after dosing; this is also described in the product label. If discomfort is severe, persistent, or accompanied by vision changes or significant redness, stop using the product and contact a clinician. Cooling the unopened vial in a clean place at room conditions is not necessary; follow label storage instructions and dosing directions.

How long will I need to use the therapy?

Dry eye disease is often chronic, so ongoing treatment may be recommended. Your prescriber will reassess response during follow-up and may adjust your plan. Do not change or stop therapy without their guidance. Because individual responses vary, consistent twice-daily use and proper administration help your clinician evaluate whether the regimen is addressing your signs and symptoms over time.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Limited human data are available for topical lifitegrast. Discuss potential benefits and risks with your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They will consider your ocular findings, symptom burden, and alternatives. If you start therapy, follow the label closely, separate it from other eye medicines, and report any concerning symptoms promptly.

Can children use this medicine?

Refer to the official label for age-related use information. Many clinical studies and approvals focus on adults with dry eye disease. A pediatric eye specialist should evaluate younger patients to confirm diagnosis and appropriate therapy. If a clinician recommends treatment, they will provide dosing and monitoring instructions and review how to time drops with school, activities, and any contact lens wear.

How is this different from cyclosporine eye drops?

Lifitegrast is an LFA-1 antagonist, while cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor. Both are prescription therapies for dry eye disease but act at different points in the inflammatory pathway. Dosing schedules and formulations differ by product. Your clinician may suggest one over the other based on ocular surface findings, previous response to therapy, lens wear, and tolerance. Spacing with tears or other eye medicines remains important for any regimen.

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Prescription eye drops for dry eye disease help relieve irritation and protect the ocular surface. This page explains how the treatment works, how to use it correctly, and how to access US delivery from Canada. It also outlines practical steps for ordering and paying without insurance.

What Xiidra Is and How It Works

Xiidra® is a lifitegrast ophthalmic medicine used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It blocks the interaction between LFA-1 and ICAM-1 on immune cells, which may reduce ocular surface inflammation. The drops are preservative-free and packaged to support safe, single-dose use.

The medicine is supplied as Xiidra Single-Use Vials designed to reduce contamination risk. Each disposable container has enough solution for both eyes in one dose. If you need support choosing an option for Dry Eye, this guide summarizes key information in one place.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

To learn more about eye wellness and preventive care, see Healthy Vision Month. For a broader selection of eye therapies, browse Ophthalmology.

Who It’s For

This treatment is intended for adults diagnosed with dry eye disease who need relief from symptoms like burning, stinging, foreign body sensation, or fluctuating vision. People with known hypersensitivity to lifitegrast or any component should not use it. Discuss use with a healthcare professional if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Lifitegrast Eye Drops 5% are not lubricating tears; they are an anti-inflammatory therapy for the condition’s underlying processes. Patients with active eye infections or unexplained vision changes should seek evaluation before starting therapy. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before dosing and wait prior to reinsertion.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s directions and the product label. The typical regimen is one drop in each eye twice daily, roughly 12 hours apart. Use one single-use container for both eyes, then discard the opened vial. Wash and dry your hands before handling the container.

Xiidra 0.2 mL Vials provide a single day’s dose for both eyes. Tilt your head back, gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket, and instill one drop without touching the tip to any surface. Close eyes gently for a moment after instillation to help the solution spread.

Remove contact lenses before using the drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses. If using other eye medicines, separate each product by at least five minutes to minimize washout; use gels or ointments last unless your prescriber advises otherwise.

Strengths and Forms

This therapy is typically supplied as single-use, preservative-free containers for ocular use. Availability can vary by market and manufacturer packaging. Common presentations include:

Disposable vials, 0.2 mL each, for one dose in both eyes
Cartons commonly containing multiple foil pouches to keep vials protected

Lifitegrast 5% Ophthalmic Solution is the marketed strength. Not all package sizes are always available; selection can change based on supply. If a specific carton size is out of stock, your prescriber may suggest an alternative pack count that offers the same medicine.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a dose is missed, use it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Do not use extra drops to make up for a missed dose. Consistent, twice-daily use helps maintain effect over time.

After instillation, temporary blurred vision may occur. Avoid driving or operating machinery until vision clears. To reduce systemic absorption, gently press a finger at the inner corner of the eye for a minute after dosing if recommended by your clinician.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store the unopened vials at room temperature, ideally in the original foil pouches to protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Open a vial only when ready to dose, and discard it immediately after use.

Most cartons contain Xiidra 60 Single-Use Vials, which you can divide into smaller sets for travel. Keep the medicine in carry-on luggage during flights and avoid excessive heat. Carry a copy of your prescription when crossing borders. For home storage, choose a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight.

When traveling, keep your dosing schedule as consistent as possible. If different time zones make twice-daily spacing difficult, consult your prescriber for practical timing advice based on your itinerary.

Benefits

This medicine addresses inflammation linked to dry eye disease, which can help with both symptoms and clinical signs noted by your eye care professional. Single-use, preservative-free packaging supports sterile dosing and may be suitable for sensitive eyes. Twice-daily dosing provides a straightforward routine.

The treatment can be used alongside artificial tears, with appropriate spacing between products. Many patients value the compact, discrete vials that fit easily into daily routines and travel plans.

Side Effects and Safety

Eye irritation or burning after instillation
Eye redness or watery eyes
Temporary blurred vision
Unusual taste in the mouth
Headache

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include allergic responses like eyelid swelling, severe redness, or rash. Stop using the product and seek care if severe irritation, eye pain, or changes in vision occur. To reduce contamination risk, avoid touching the vial tip to the eye or any surface. If symptoms worsen or do not improve, contact a clinician.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Topical lifitegrast has minimal systemic exposure, so traditional drug–drug interactions are unlikely. Still, separate administration from other eye medicines by at least five minutes. Remove contact lenses before dosing and wait at least 15 minutes before reinsertion. If you wear scleral lenses or have ocular surface disease beyond dry eye, confirm the timing of use with your prescriber.

Discuss use during pregnancy or breastfeeding with a healthcare professional. Do not use if the foil pouch is damaged or if solution appears discolored or contains particles. Avoid sharing any eye medicine with others.

What to Expect Over Time

Responses vary. Some people notice gradual improvement in dryness, irritation, or fluctuating vision with steady use. The treatment works best when dosed consistently, twice daily, as directed. Your prescriber may monitor ocular surface findings, tear film stability, and symptom changes during follow-up visits.

Use a reminder tool to help maintain your schedule. Keep a simple symptom log to share with your eye care professional, noting day-to-day comfort, visual fluctuations, and lens wear tolerance.

Compare With Alternatives

Other prescription options for dry eye include calcineurin inhibitors. Two common choices are cyclosporine eye drops at different strengths.

Discuss how your diagnosis, prior response, and lens wear habits guide selection. You can also review product details for Restasis® and Cequa® with your prescriber to understand differences in dosing, formulation, and expected onset. Your clinician will recommend a plan tailored to your needs and medical history.

Pricing and Access

Many people compare options by Xiidra Price and potential cash-pay savings. Canadian pricing can be favorable compared with some US retail figures, with US delivery from Canada available after prescription review. Check current pricing and availability on this page, then add to cart to start your order.

If you are looking for a coupon, see current offers on our promotions page. Orders are placed through an encrypted checkout to help protect your information. If your prescriber prefers e-prescribing, our pharmacy team can assist with documentation after checkout.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If a specific carton size is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend another pack count with the same medicine, or consider an alternative therapy that suits your condition. We do not list restock dates; please check the product page for the latest status and selection.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults with diagnosed dry eye disease who need a prescription anti-inflammatory therapy. People with hypersensitivity to lifitegrast should avoid it. Those with active ocular infections should be evaluated and treated before starting. Contact lens wearers may use the medicine with proper timing around lens wear.

To manage out-of-pocket costs, consider multi-month refills when appropriate, which may reduce per-shipment fees. Set refill reminders so you never run short during travel or busy periods. Keep your original packaging and prescription details handy so your reorder goes smoothly.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

Is lifitegrast the right class for my dry eye diagnosis?
How should I time the drops with lenses and other eye medicines?
What signs suggest I should schedule a follow-up sooner?
How long should I continue therapy before reassessment?
Can I pair this with specific artificial tears or gels?
What precautions apply if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
How do we measure response over time in my case?

Authoritative Sources

FDA DailyMed: Xiidra Prescribing Information

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Manufacturer Product Site

Ready to proceed? Place your order with YouDrugstore for prompt US delivery from Canada, with temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is for general education and is not a substitute for the official label or your prescriber’s advice.

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View All FAQs

How does lifitegrast help with dry eye disease?
Lifitegrast targets a pathway involved in ocular surface inflammation. It blocks the interaction between LFA-1 and ICAM-1 on certain immune cells. By reducing inflammatory activity, it may lessen signs and symptoms such as burning, irritation, and fluctuating vision. It is not an artificial tear and does not replace lubricating drops. Many patients use non-preserved tears as needed, with appropriate spacing from prescription therapy. Your eye care professional will advise on monitoring and follow-up.
Can I use the drops with contact lenses?
Yes, but remove lenses before dosing. Instill one drop in each eye, then wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting lenses. This helps prevent lens interaction with the solution and supports comfort. If you wear scleral lenses, your timing could differ; ask your prescriber for tailored guidance. Always avoid touching the container tip to the eye or lens. If irritation persists with lens wear, schedule an eye check to rule out other issues.
What should I do if the drops sting or taste unusual?
A brief stinging sensation is a commonly reported effect and usually settles quickly. Some people notice a temporary unusual taste after dosing; this is also described in the product label. If discomfort is severe, persistent, or accompanied by vision changes or significant redness, stop using the product and contact a clinician. Cooling the unopened vial in a clean place at room conditions is not necessary; follow label storage instructions and dosing directions.
How long will I need to use the therapy?
Dry eye disease is often chronic, so ongoing treatment may be recommended. Your prescriber will reassess response during follow-up and may adjust your plan. Do not change or stop therapy without their guidance. Because individual responses vary, consistent twice-daily use and proper administration help your clinician evaluate whether the regimen is addressing your signs and symptoms over time.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Limited human data are available for topical lifitegrast. Discuss potential benefits and risks with your healthcare professional if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They will consider your ocular findings, symptom burden, and alternatives. If you start therapy, follow the label closely, separate it from other eye medicines, and report any concerning symptoms promptly.
Can children use this medicine?
Refer to the official label for age-related use information. Many clinical studies and approvals focus on adults with dry eye disease. A pediatric eye specialist should evaluate younger patients to confirm diagnosis and appropriate therapy. If a clinician recommends treatment, they will provide dosing and monitoring instructions and review how to time drops with school, activities, and any contact lens wear.
How is this different from cyclosporine eye drops?
Lifitegrast is an LFA-1 antagonist, while cyclosporine is a calcineurin inhibitor. Both are prescription therapies for dry eye disease but act at different points in the inflammatory pathway. Dosing schedules and formulations differ by product. Your clinician may suggest one over the other based on ocular surface findings, previous response to therapy, lens wear, and tolerance. Spacing with tears or other eye medicines remains important for any regimen.