Cyclosporine ophthalmic solution

What is this medication?

CYCLOSPORINE (SYE kloe spor een) eye drops are used to increase tear production in patients who have dry eyes due to eye inflammation.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cequa

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• wear contact lenses
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclosporine, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

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. Use the product immediately after opening the vial and throw the vial away right after use. Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down with your index finger to form a pouch. Try not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye, fingertips, or any other surface. Squeeze the prescribed number of drops into the pouch. Close the eye for a few moments to spread the drops and apply gentle finger pressure to the inner corner of the eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Use your doses at regular intervals. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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.

What if I miss a dose?

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.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

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.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular eye exams. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you should continue to use this medicine if you injure your eyes or need eye surgery. If you develop an eye infection, contact your doctor or health care professional immediately.

If you wear contact lenses, you should not put this medicine in your eyes while wearing the lenses. After using the eye drops, wait about 15 minutes before putting lenses in your eyes.

You can use artificial tear products while using this medicine; however you should wait at least 15 minutes before using this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• eye burning or stinging
• eye itching
• feeling as if something is in your eye
• headache

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.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Once a vial is open, use it right away and throw away any remaining medicine in the vial. Throw away any unused vials after the expiration date.

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.

What are cyclosporine eye drops used for?

Cyclosporine eye drops have U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for:

• Dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca).
• Allergic eye irritation.

How do cyclosporine eye drops work?

Your immune system relies on certain enzymes as it manufactures immune cells. Enzymes are a key part of your body’s chemistry. They make it easier for certain chemical reactions to happen or make them happen faster. Cyclosporine blocks enzymes that your body needs to cause inflammation.

Ordinarily, inflammation is part of your body’s natural repair processes. It signals immune cells and tells them to gather in a specific place to start repairs. But when you have excessive inflammation, it can do more harm than good.

In your eyes, inflammation can slow down the production of tear fluid. Cyclosporine reduces inflammation, so your body can make more tear fluid. That’s why it can treat dry eyes. It also reduces the inflammation that can happen with allergic inflammation in your eyes.

Is cyclosporine (in eye drops) a steroid?

No, cyclosporine in eye drops aren’t a steroid. Cyclosporine is an immune inhibitor. It blocks some of the processes that your immune system uses to make certain types of cells.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Cyclosporine is a medication that treats dry eye by making it easier for your body to produce tear fluid. It does that by limiting immune activity in your eye, reducing inflammation that impacts tear fluid production. If you have dry eye, it isn’t something you have to just tolerate. There are treatments like cyclosporine that can offer relief. Talk to your healthcare provider to learn about this treatment and others like it. That way, you can get back to keeping your focus on the parts of your life that matter most.