{"id":631591,"date":"2025-03-10T17:46:01","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T21:46:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631591"},"modified":"2026-03-06T18:18:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T23:18:24","slug":"restasis-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/restasis-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Restasis generic availability, cost, and more"},"content":{"rendered":"

Restasis<\/span><\/a> is an eye drop that contains the active ingredient cyclosporine. It\u2019s used to treat chronic dry eye disease by managing eye inflammation and stimulating natural tears, especially in conditions like keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Generic Restasis eye drops became available in the United States after FDA approval in 2022. The generic version can be a more affordable alternative to the brand-name Restasis, which can otherwise cost <\/span>nearly $800 for a 30-day supply<\/span><\/a> without insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Restasis generic availability<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Generic name<\/b><\/td>\nCyclosporine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
FDA approval date of generic version<\/b><\/td>\nFeb. 2, 2022<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Is there a generic available for sale in the U.S.?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is there a generic for Restasis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes. There is a generic form of Restasis: cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2022. Since then, other generic options have come onto the market.<\/span><\/p>\n

For the most part, cyclosporine is more accessible than brand-name Restasis. <\/span>Dana Manning<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., RD, LDN, associate professor of pharmacy practice at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, says generic drugs can be made by various manufacturers after a brand-name drug’s patent is completed, which usually means generics are cheaper and more likely to be covered by insurance companies at a lower copay.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut this isn\u2019t true for <\/span>all <\/span><\/i>generic drugs,\u201d Dr. Manning says. \u201cThe cost and availability of a drug are based on many factors, like manufacturer shortages, wholesaler and distributor practices, and an individual’s insurance coverage, including their deductible and copay plan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep in mind that only Restasis single-use vials are available in a generic form. Restasis is also available as a multi-dose bottle, currently brand-name only.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the differences between generic vs. brand-name Restasis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Brand name and generic Restasis are very similar. According to Dr. Manning, generic drugs must demonstrate to the FDA that they have the <\/span>same active ingredients, safety, and efficacy as their brand-name counterparts<\/span><\/a> before they are allowed on the market. Generic Restasis contains the same active ingredient (cyclosporine) in the same concentration (0.05%) as brand-name Restasis but is less expensive because it can be made by other manufacturers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That doesn\u2019t mean the formulation is <\/span>exactly <\/span><\/i>the same between brand-name and generic Restasis, however. \u201cThere can be differences in the other ingredients contained in the eye drop, like the emollients, synthetics, and other liquids added,\u201d says <\/span>Benjamin Bert<\/span><\/a>, MD, an ophthalmologist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because these inactive ingredients can vary from one generic formulation to another, Dr. Manning says some people may discover they are sensitive or allergic to generic Restasis. You also might feel you respond differently to generic Restasis versus the brand name, or simply prefer the feel or experience of using one product over another.<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t

\n\t\t\t

Save up to 80% on Restasis with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tRestasis .05% (60 Emulsion)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"CVS\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$57.96\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Publix\"\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$98.63\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Restasis prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/span><\/p>\n

How much does generic Restasis cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Many people turn to generic medications to save money. While generic cyclosporine is cheaper than Restasis, the difference isn\u2019t as significant as you might expect: A 30-day supply still costs $785 on average without insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUsually when we see a medication go from brand name to generic, it\u2019s less expensive and more readily covered by insurance companies, but that hasn\u2019t been the case with Restasis,\u201d Dr. Bert says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If your insurance covers some or all of the costs, you\u2019ll obviously spend far less. And, of course, SingleCare coupons can also help you save money on cyclosporine, with the lowest price costing less than $100 for a 30-day supply.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Brand vs. generic Restasis prices<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nBrand-name Restasis<\/b><\/td>\nRestasis generic (cyclosporine)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Average cost without insurance<\/span><\/td>\n$820 for a 30-day supply of 0.05% single-use vials of Restasis (Typical dosage is two single-use vials per day)<\/span><\/td>\n$785 for a 30-day supply of 0.05% single-use vials of cyclosporine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare\u2019s lowest price<\/span><\/td>\n$535 for a 30-day supply of 0.05% single-use vials of Restasis<\/span><\/td>\n$87 for a 30-day supply of 0.05% single-use vials of cyclosporine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Free coupons<\/span><\/td>\nRestasis coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nCyclosporine coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Feb. 24, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/p>\n

What are the off-label uses for Restasis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to Dr. Bert, the most common off-label uses for Restasis include other conditions triggered by an overactive immune response. Because cyclosporine has immunomodulatory effects, he explains, it can help with conditions like <\/span>eye allergies<\/span><\/a> or even more serious conditions, like <\/span>ocular graft versus host disease<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Restasis may be used off-label for severe inflammatory eye conditions related to allergies, such as <\/span>vernal keratoconjunctivitis<\/span><\/a> and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, and for <\/span>certain cases of keratitis<\/span><\/a> (inflammation of the cornea).<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Restasis covered by insurance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Coverage for Restasis depends on your plan and its <\/span>formulary<\/span><\/a>. In many cases, commercial insurance plans and Medicare provide some level of coverage for Restasis. Since Restasis is a brand-name drug, however, it\u2019s typically found on a higher tier of formularies or preferred drug lists. That means the cost is usually higher than generic alternatives.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since generic cyclosporine became available, many insurance companies now prefer to cover it as a lower-cost alternative. Generic versions are typically covered at lower copay tiers, making them more affordable for most patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you get Restasis covered by insurance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your insurance plan denies coverage for Restasis, it may be because it requires <\/span>prior authorization<\/span><\/a>. In other words, your healthcare provider will have to provide documentation about your medical condition and why Restasis is medically necessary. They may also only cover the generic version of Restasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

If brand-name or generic Restasis isn\u2019t covered by insurance, there are still different options to help save money. For example, you can look to apply for patient assistance programs or manufacturer savings cards. If you don\u2019t have coverage, a prescription discount card like SingleCare could help reduce the retail cost of the drug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Generic alternatives to Restasis<\/span><\/h2>\n

If Restasis isn\u2019t the right choice due to effectiveness, side effects, or cost, other options are available. Restasis alternatives include other prescription medications that may help improve inflammation and increase natural tear production. However, most alternatives to Restasis are only available as a brand-name drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alternatives to Restasis<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n