Restasis® Eye Drops for Chronic Dry Eye

Restasis is a prescription eye medicine used to help increase your natural tear production. It is commonly used for chronic dry eye related to ocular inflammation. This page explains how it works, how to use it, and how to access it with US delivery from Canada, including ways to manage costs without insurance.

What Restasis Is and How It Works

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Restasis® contains cyclosporine, an immunomodulator. It helps reduce surface inflammation that can block your tear glands. As inflammation improves, your eyes may produce more of their own tears over time. Restasis eye drops are designed for long-term management, not instant symptom relief. Many people still use artificial tears as needed while the treatment begins to work. Your prescriber may also address eyelid hygiene and triggers that worsen irritation.

This medicine is supplied as a milky, preservative-free emulsion. You use it in both eyes twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Results vary, and consistent use matters. If other drops are prescribed, they are usually spaced several minutes apart to prevent washout. Always follow the official label and your prescriber’s instructions.

Who It’s For

The treatment is indicated to increase tear production in people whose tear production is presumed suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is not for quick lubrication during an acute flare. Restasis eye drops for dry eyes may help when inflammation is the underlying issue. People with active eye infections should not use it until the infection is treated. Safety in children has not been established; most users are adults.

Remove contact lenses before dosing and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. If you wear contacts daily, discuss a wear schedule with your prescriber. For broader context on the condition, see our overview of Dry Eye.

Dosage and Usage

The labeled schedule is one drop in each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Wash and dry your hands. Gently invert the vial or bottle to re-suspend the emulsion until it looks uniform. Tilt your head back, pull down the lower eyelid, and instill one drop without touching the eye or lashes. Blink gently. If a second medicine is prescribed, wait at least 15 minutes between products.

Single-use vials are opened immediately before use and discarded right after dosing. Many patients use one vial for both eyes. Some patients use the multi-dose bottle, which contains a preservative-free system to reduce contamination risk. Spacing doses consistently helps maintain effect. If eyes are very irritated, your prescriber may recommend lubricating tears in between doses.

Patients using Restasis single use vials should keep unused vials in the original foil pouch until needed. If your eyelids are crusty, clean the lids before dosing to reduce stinging. Do not exceed the prescribed number of daily doses.

Strengths and Forms

This medicine is available as an ophthalmic emulsion. Availability may vary based on country and manufacturer. Common presentations include:

• Single-use vials, preservative-free emulsion for twice-daily dosing
• Multidose bottle with a preservative-free delivery system

Label strength: Restasis ophthalmic emulsion 0.05. Your pharmacist will dispense the presentation written on your prescription when available.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, instill it as soon as you remember. Then resume your regular schedule, spacing the next dose roughly 12 hours later. Do not double up. The same timing principles apply whether you use the single-use vials or a multidose bottle. Regular schedules support steady effect.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store at room temperature away from direct light. Do not freeze. Keep single-use vials in the foil pouch until you are ready to use them. Discard opened vials immediately after dosing, even if some emulsion remains. Keep the multidose bottle capped when not in use and avoid touching the tip to any surface.

When traveling, carry your prescription label and keep vials or the bottle in your hand luggage. Avoid extreme heat, and do not leave the product in a parked car. Pack clean tissues or wipes to manage any spill. Keep all eye medicines out of reach of children. For more eye care topics, explore our Ophthalmology category.

Benefits

This therapy targets underlying inflammation that can interfere with tear production. As ocular surface health improves, you may notice less dryness, burning, or fluctuating vision. The drop is preservative-free, which can be helpful for sensitive eyes. A twice-daily schedule is simple for many routines. You can usually keep using artificial tears for added comfort, spaced several minutes from your prescribed drop.

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects include temporary eye burning or stinging, redness, itching, watery eyes, discharge, and blurred vision right after dosing. A bad taste in the mouth can occur. Many effects are mild and tend to reduce as your eyes adjust. If irritation is severe or does not improve, contact your prescriber. For more details, see The 6 Common Side Effects Of Restasis.

Serious reactions are rare but can include allergic responses or worsening inflammation. If you develop signs of eye infection, stop using the drop and seek medical advice. Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05 has minimal systemic absorption, so drug interactions are unlikely; however, you should report all eye and systemic medicines to your prescriber. If infection is suspected, an antibiotic drop such as Ciprofloxacin Ophthalmic Solution may be considered by your clinician.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Because this treatment acts on the eye surface with very low systemic exposure, significant systemic interactions are not expected. The most important practical consideration is separation from other ophthalmic products by at least 15 minutes. Always remove contact lenses before dosing and wait before reinsertion.

Avoid use if you have an active eye infection. Tell your prescriber if you have had recent eye surgery or trauma. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding, as data are limited and decisions are individualized. For glaucoma or pressure-lowering therapies, such as Dorzolamide Ophthalmic Solution, your prescriber will advise on spacing and order of drops.

What to Expect Over Time

Dry eye linked to inflammation can be persistent. With consistent twice-daily use, your tear film may gradually stabilize. Symptom relief is often gradual and varies among individuals. Many people keep using lubricating tears for comfort while inflammation quiets. Good eyelid hygiene, reduced screen glare, and managing environmental triggers can support results. For broader eye health context, see How Diabetes Harms Your Eyes All About Diabetic Retinopathy.

Compare With Alternatives

Two closely related options are available. A branded cyclosporine 0.09% solution, Cequa®, delivers the same class of medicine using a different formulation. A Cyclosporine generic product may be suitable if your prescriber agrees and it is available. In some cases, a short course of a topical steroid, such as Loteprednol, may be used under supervision to calm significant inflammation before continuing maintenance therapy.

Pricing and Access

We display current options so you can review Restasis price and compare with related therapies. You can request a quote, review Canadian pricing, and arrange US delivery from Canada after your prescription is received and verified. If you have a discount code, check our Promotions page before checkout. Our site uses encrypted checkout to protect your information.

Prefer to compare across categories or origin? You can explore more eye care options in Ophthalmology or review items sourced from Canada. Your prescriber can advise whether a brand, a different formulation, or a generic option fits your plan.

Availability and Substitutions

Stock can vary by partner pharmacy. If the requested presentation is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a suitable alternative or a different pack size. We cannot guarantee restock dates. If a substitution is suggested, you will be contacted for approval before any change.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This treatment may suit adults with chronic dry eye related to ocular inflammation. It is not intended for active infection, acute injury, or immediate lubrication. People who cannot remove contact lenses should discuss daily wear alternatives. Those with severe ocular surface disease may need additional therapies directed by a specialist.

• Multi-month fills: reduce per-order fees and help maintain continuity
• Refill reminders: set calendar alerts to avoid missed doses
• Smart storage: keep vials in the pouch until use to prevent waste
• Drop technique: avoid touching the tip to lower contamination risk
• Complementary care: use preservative-free artificial tears between doses

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is inflammation the main driver of my dry eye symptoms?
• Should I start with a vial or a multidose bottle?
• How should I space this drop with my other eye medicines?
• What signs of infection should prompt a call to your office?
• Can I keep using artificial tears, and which type fits my routine?
• How long should I try the treatment before we reassess?
• Are there generic or formulation alternatives if I do not tolerate this product?

Authoritative Sources

FDA Prescribing Information

DailyMed Label

Health Canada DPD

Ready to proceed? You can place your request today and get US delivery from Canada with prompt, express shipping. This content is for general information and does not replace your prescriber’s advice or the official label.