Health Library Cyclosporine Ophthalmic for Sjögren's SyndromeFrom Healthwise

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive medicine that decreases the action of your body's immune system. Cyclosporine ophthalmic is used in eyedrop form to treat Sjögren's syndrome, a disease that causes dry eyes and mouth.

Cyclosporine ophthalmic eyedrops usually are applied twice a day, or as directed by your doctor.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the body's moisture-producing glands and may eventually cause problems with the function of vital organs, such as the lungs, bladder, kidneys, and liver. Cyclosporine reduces the immune system's action in the glands that moisten the eyes and may reduce eye inflammation.

Studies report that cyclosporine ophthalmic is effective in increasing tear production, relieving blurred vision, and decreasing the use of artificial tears.¹

Cyclosporine ophthalmic does not cause lasting side effects. Temporary side effects include eye burning, redness, tearing, discharge, pain, itching, stinging, and visual blurring.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

Do not apply cyclosporine ophthalmic medicine while wearing contact lenses. After you apply cyclosporine, wait at least 15 minutes, or as long as is advised by your doctor, to insert contact lenses.

To prevent eye infection, be careful not to contaminate the stopper by touching it to any surface, including your eyes, your hands, the sink, or the countertop.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Ophthalmic cyclosporine (Restatis) for dry eye disease (2003). Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, 45(W1157B): 42–43.

Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: May 6, 2008
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
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