Do not touch the Restasis dropper on to any surface, including the eyes or hands. The dropper is sterile. If it becomes contaminated (dirty), it could cause an infection in the eye(s).
Do not use this medicine while wearing contact lenses. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes following the administration of Restasis eye drops, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Restasis if you are allergic to cyclosporine.
Restasis is likely safe in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether Restasis passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby, although it is likely safe. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This medicine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.
How should I use Restasis?
Use Restasis eye drops exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use the eye drops in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
The usual dose is 1 drop in each eye twice daily. Use Restasis eye drops every 12 hours (approximately).
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
Turn the bottle upside down a few times to gently mix the medicine. Restasis eye drops should appear white in color.
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
Close your eyes for 2 or 3 minutes with your head tipped down, without blinking or squinting. Gently press your finger to the inside corner of the eye for about 1 minute, to keep the liquid from draining into your tear duct.
Wait at least 15 minutes before using artificial tears, or any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated (dirty) dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Do not use the drops if the liquid has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Each single-use bottle of Restasis is for one use only (in one or both eyes). Throw away the bottle after one use, even if there is still some medicine left in it.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
