Restasis is the most popular treatment available for eye inflammation and dry eyes. It is expensive in the United States. The average retail price for 60 vials of 0.4ml Restasis eye drops is around $718.43.
However, Restasis is just $294.14 for same package in Canada. Now American patients can save over 60% on the same brand name Restasis eye drops manufactured by same company (Allergan) from certified Canadian Pharmacies. (Prices sourced on goodrx.com, as of Apr 14, 2021)
Did you know prescription generic Restasis for dry eyes is now available from Canada! You can save 65% on generic Restasis ($185.22 for 60 vials of 0.4ml). There are currently no generic alternatives for Restasis in the United States.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Chronic dry eye caused by inflammation can be terribly uncomfortable. This is a fairly common condition with symptoms that include, as the name says, dry eyes. Other symptoms include:
- Redness in the eye
- Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Trouble driving/seeing at night
- Trouble wearing contact lenses
- Watery eyes due to the feeling of irritation in the eye
- Eye fatigue
How Are Dry Eyes Treated?
Treatment of dry eyes depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor may prescribe eye drops or artificial tear drops, but when this is not enough your doctor may prescribe a prescription eye drop called Restasis.
How Does Restasis Work?
Restasis contains the active ingredient cyclosporine. The medicine belongs to a class of medicines known as immunosuppressants.
Cyclosporine goes to work in the blood stream suppressing the body’s immune system. When used in eye drops it increases tear production by reversing a condition in which the white blood cells in your immune system, known as lymphocytes, die and build up in the tear glands.
It is important to note that Restasis eye drops need to be used on a regular basis in order to begin to see the desired increase in tear production, which may take 3 months or more after starting treatment.
Are There Side Effects from Using Restasis For Dry Eyes?
There are some common side effects reported, but speak to your pharmacist about what you may experience. A few of the common side effects include:
- Pain on instillation of drops
- Stinging eyes
- Eye redness
- Tearing
- Itching eyes
- Visual blurring
Do not use Restasis for dry eyes more often than recommended by your doctor or for longer than recommended by your doctor. The usual dose is 1 drop in each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. Follow your doctor’s prescription for dosage.
Restasis Multidose Preservative Free
Note that Unit Dose Vials, or UDV, must be discarded immediately after using in both eyes.
Compare prices between brand name Restasis and generic Restasis and see the cost savings!
Was this article helpful? Other related articles:
- What is the difference between prescription generic medications and brand name medications?
- How to save money on prescription medications
This article is sponsored by Jasons’s CanadaDrugstore. If you have questions about your prescription medications or any other medication, please contact our team at Jasons’s CanadaDrugstore by calling toll free 1-800-991-0282. One of our patient representatives will be happy to assist you or transfer you to a licensed Canadian pharmacist for a free consultation.
This article contains medical information provided to help you better understand this medical condition or process and may contain information about medication often used as part of a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. It is not intended to be used as either a diagnosis or recommendation for treatment of your medical situation. If you are unwell, concerned about your physical or mental state, or are experiencing symptoms you should speak with your doctor or primary health care provider. If you are in medical distress, please contact emergency services (such as 911).
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