Lifitegrast is an immune-inhibiting medication used in eye drops. Using these drops blocks inflammation from happening in your eyes. Excess inflammation can limit tear fluid production, making your eyes feel dry. Healthcare providers prescribe it for dry eye and related concerns.
LIFITEGRAST (lif" i teg' rast) is used to treat dry eyes.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): XIIDRA
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medicine is only for use in the eye. Do not take by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Wash hands before and after use. Tilt the head back slightly and pull down the lower lid with the index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or into the pouch. Squeeze one drop into the pouch. Close the eye gently to spread the drops. Do not use your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course of medicine prescribed by your doctor or health care professional even if your condition is better. Do not stop using except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 17 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.
Interactions have not been studied.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
If you wear contact lenses, take them out before placing drops in the eye. Contact lenses may be put back in 15 minutes after putting the drops in your eyes.
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in the original foil pouch at room temperature between 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F).
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Lifitegrast eye drops have U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). That can include inflammation and dry eye that happen on their own or due to another condition like allergic eye irritation.
Lifitegrast is an immune-inhibiting drug. It keeps lymphocytes, a specific type of immune cell, from binding to other cells in your body. Blocking that binding limits inflammation.
Your body uses inflammation as part of its immune defense and repair processes. But inflammation can do more harm than good in your eyes, interfering with tear fluid production and making your eyes dry. Limiting inflammation increases tear fluid production so your eyes have more moisture. Because lifitegrast affects your immune system, it may take several weeks before you’re able to notice its effect.
No, lifitegrast isn’t a steroid. It’s an immune inhibitor that blocks inflammation from happening in your eye(s). Healthcare providers often prescribe it to avoid or limit the use of steroid medications.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Lifitegrast eye drops are a helpful treatment that can improve eye moisture. They limit immune activity in your eyes, reducing inflammation and making it easier for your body to make tear fluid. Better still, they don’t contain steroids, which helps you avoid certain side effects from using steroids too frequently. If you find your eyes feel dry and inflamed, talk to your healthcare provider. Getting treatment for dry eye helps you keep your eye on the activities and matters that you really care about.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.
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