Restasis alternatives: What can I take instead of Restasis?

In this article:

• What can I take in place of Restasis?
• OTC alternatives
• Prescription alternatives
• What can I take in place of Restasis?
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch to a Restasis alternative

In this article

• What can I take in place of Restasis?
• OTC alternatives
• Prescription alternatives
• What can I take in place of Restasis?
• Natural alternatives
• How to switch to a Restasis alternative

Restasis (cyclosporine .05% ophthalmic emulsion) is the brand name of a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage dry eye disease. The terms “dry eye disease (DED),” “dry eye syndrome (DES),” “keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS),” and “chronic dry eye” all refer to the same condition. Restasis is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant that can increase tear production, but its onset of action takes up to 12 weeks. Restasis may cause side effects like eye pain and a temporary burning sensation right after administration. 

RELATED: Restasis dosage, forms, and strengths

What can I take in place of Restasis?

Dry eye disease is a common eye disorder, with a prevalence as high as 50% in certain regions. In the United States, one study estimated that 8.1% of the adult population has been diagnosed with dry eye disease. Factors like low humidity, wind, allergens, smoke, and eye strain may contribute to dry eye disease. It can also be a side effect of medications or result from different health conditions. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat the symptoms of dry eye disease include topical gels, liquids, and ointments. It is best to avoid products marketed to relieve red eyes since they generally contain medications that can exacerbate symptoms. However, many individuals suffering from dry eye disease do not experience complete relief from OTC eye drops alone. 

Prescription medications for dry eye disease include different formulations of the active ingredient of Restasis, and other topicals with different active ingredients. An ophthalmologist can provide medical advice to find alternatives to Restasis. 

Save up to 80% on Restasis with SingleCare

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.

Restasis .05% (60 Emulsion)

23666 - Hampton, VA

$90.06

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

$144.17

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

See Restasis prices at all pharmacies

Over-the-counter alternatives to treat dry eyes

There are many OTC treatments available to treat the symptoms of dry eye. They may provide temporary relief, but don’t work for everyone. Some OTC treatments include:

• Bausch & Lomb Advanced Eye Relief Dry Eye (glycerin/ propylene glycol ophthalmic)
• Bion Tears (dextran 70/ hypromellose ophthalmic)
• Blink Gel Tears (polyethylene glycol 400 ophthalmic)
• Clear Eyes Advanced Dry & Itchy Relief (glycerin ophthalmic)
• GenTeal Tears Moderate Preservative Free (dextran 70/ hypromellose ophthalmic)
• Murine Tears for Dry Eyes Original (polyvinyl alcohol/ povidone ophthalmic)
• Refresh Classic (polyvinyl alcohol/ povidone ophthalmic)
• Soothe Maximum Hydration (povidone ophthalmic)
• Systane (polyethylene glycol 400/ propylene glycol ophthalmic)
• TheraTears Lubricant Eye Drops (carboxymethylcellulose ophthalmic)
• Visine Dry Eye Relief (polyethylene glycol 400 ophthalmic)

Over-the-counter treatments for dry eyes are available as liquid, gels, and ointments. Gel drops or ointments are best for overnight use. Eye drops marketed for redness relief should be avoided as they may worsen the sensation of dry eyes. 

 Restasis prescription alternatives

The following are some of the most common prescription alternatives to Restasis.

1. Xiidra (lifitegrast)

Xiidra (lifitegrast) is an ophthalmic solution that blocks the binding of two cell surface proteins. This reduces inflammation and has demonstrated improvement on a standardized eye dryness score. Like Restasis, Xiidra can take several weeks of consistent administration so that patients can experience symptom relief. However, its onset may be slightly quicker—six to 12 weeks with Xiidra versus 12 to 24 weeks with Restasis. About 25% of patients experience a side effect of an unusual taste or eye irritation, which are the most common side effects. 

RELATED: Xiidra vs. Restasis: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

2. Tyrvaya (varenicline)

Tyrvaya (varenicline) is a first-of-its-kind nasal spray to treat dry eye disease. Approved by the United States FDA in 2021 following clinical trials demonstrating improvement in dry eye symptoms, Tyrvaya’s active ingredient activates a nerve pathway in the sinuses that increases tear production. The benefit of Tyrvaya over topical ophthalmic products is its ease of administration for those who do not like topically applying products to their eyes. It also eliminates the burning sensation associated with many topical eye administrations. Tyrvaya’s active ingredient, varenicline, is also used for smoking cessation. Both can be taken together if needed because Tyrvaya’s absorption into the system is minimal. Sneezing is a common side effect of the nasal spray, which may be bothersome to some patients. 

3. Cequa (cyclosporine .09% solution 

Cequa (cyclosporine) contains the same active ingredient as Restasis. Both eye treatments are designed to increase tear production to relieve the symptoms of dry eye disease. The concentration of Cequa is higher than Restasis. While Restasis comes as a thick emulsion, Cequa uses a type of technology that allows better penetration into eye tissues as a liquid. However, Cequa is only available as a brand-name medication, while Restasis is available as a much less expensive generic medication.

4. Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution)

Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane) is an eye drop that treats dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction, which occurs when glands near the eyelids aren’t producing enough high-quality oil. Miebo works by forming a lipid layer over the air-liquid interface of the tear film, which reduces tear evaporation. Like many ophthalmic products, contact lenses should be removed before administration and should not be reinserted for at least 30 minutes. Side effects are mild and include blurred vision and redness of the eyelid. 

5. Veyve (cyclosporine 0.1% solution) 

Veyve (cyclosporine 0.1% solution) also contains the same active ingredient as Restasis. The concentration is higher, and it uses a different type of solvent to deliver the medication. This may result in faster relief of symptoms compared to Restasis. Veyve is only available as a brand-name medication, while Restasis is available as a much less expensive generic.

Natural alternatives to Restasis

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the management of dry eye disease is different for each patient. Still, initial approaches include addressing modifiable risk factors and conditions to increase tears and reduce inflammation. 

Environmental modifications include:

• Review medications that may be contributing to dry eyes 
• Ensure correct use of contact lenses
• Avoid cigarette smoke
• Protect your eyes when it’s windy or dusty
• Use an air filter and humidifier at home
• Reduce exposure to allergens
• Rest your eyes often when reading, watching TV, or using screens
• Use warm compresses to increase natural oil production

Additional natural alternatives to improve the symptoms associated with dry eye disease include supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. However, a 2018 clinical study found that supplementation did not improve dry eye symptoms. This may be partly due to a need for more standardization in content and quality across supplement brands. A well-rounded diet rich in omega-3s may be considered important for dry eye symptoms and overall eye health. 

Acupuncture in combination with lubricant eye drops has also been found to be an effective strategy for dry eye disease in some studies. 

How to switch to a Restasis alternative

When switching eye medications to an alternative, discuss options with a healthcare professional. Over-the-counter options could be discussed with your local pharmacist, but prescription eye drops for dry eye disease should be reviewed with an eye care professional like an ophthalmologist.