Why is this medication prescribed?   

Cyclosporine ophthalmic is used to increase tear production in people with dry eye disease. Cyclosporine ophthalmic is in a class of medications called immunomodulators. It works by decreasing swelling in the eye to allow for tear production.

How should this medicine be used?  

Cyclosporine ophthalmic comes as an emulsion (liquid) to apply to the eye. It is usually applied to each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart. To help you remember to use cyclosporine eyedrops, apply them around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use cyclosporine eyedrops exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of them or use them more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Cyclosporine eyedrops are for use only in the eye(s). Do not swallow or apply cyclosporine eyedrops to the skin.

Cyclosporine eyedrops come in single-use vials (small bottles to be used for one dose). The liquid from one vial should be used immediately after opening for one or both eyes.

To apply the eyedrops, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Turn over the vial a few times until the liquid inside looks white and not see-through.
• Open the vial.
• Use a mirror or have someone else put the drops in your eye.
• Avoid touching the dropper against your eye or anything else.
• Hold the dropper tip down at all times to prevent drops from flowing back into the bottle and contaminating the remaining contents.
• Lie down or tilt your head back.
• Holding the bottle between your thumb and index finger, place the dropper as near as possible to your eyelid without touching it.
• Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your cheek or nose.
• With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid of the eye down to form a pocket.
• Drop the prescribed number of drops into the pocket made by the lower lid and the eye. Placing the drops on the surface of the eyeball can cause stinging.
• Close your eye and press lightly against the lower lid with your finger for 2-3 minutes to keep the medication in the eye. Do not blink.
• If you are using the eyedrops for both eyes, repeat steps 7-11 for the other eye.
• Wipe off any excess liquid from your cheek with a clean tissue.
• Throw away the vial out of the reach of children even if it is not empty.
• Wash your hands again.

Other uses for this medicine     

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?     

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away each vial after one use. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?     

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

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