Xiidra vs Restasis

Xiidra vs Restasis – detailed comparison:

Xiidra

It is the brand name of a medication called lifitegrast ophthalmic that is part of the drug class of ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents.

It is actually the first medication in a group of medications which are known as lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonists.

Mechanism Of Action

This drug works by blocking a certain protein on the surface of cells in your body. This protein can cause production of tears that are not the correct consistency in order to keep the eyes healthy or insufficient production of tears.

The US FDA approved the medication based on evidence from 4 clinical trials, which enrolled 2133 patients with dry eyes.

Uses

This eye drop solution is typically used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). It is the only eye drop approved to treat both the signs and symptoms of DED.

Dry eye disease, also referred to as keratitis sicca, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and dry eye syndrome, is a multifactorial disease of the tears and the ocular surface.

In the present day, over 30 million people suffer from dry eye disease in the US, however, less than 1 million are receiving medical treatment.

DED is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient moisture and lubrication on the surface of the eye. Women have a higher prevalence of dry eyes compared with men, but the risk of developing DED increases with advancing age.

Symptoms typically affect both eyes and may include:

  • temporarily blurred vision, which improves when you blink;
  • eyelids that stick together when you wake up;
  • burning and red eyes;
  • feelings of dryness or soreness, which get worse throughout the day.

Note – when severe and left untreated, DED can lead to pain, scars, or ulcers on the part of the eye called the cornea. In addition to affecting ocular health, this condition can cause deterioration of emotional health, general well-being, and social functioning.

Dosage

It is used once in the morning and once in the evening, about 12 hours apart.

Notes – in order to avoid eye injury or contamination of the solution, you should not touch the tip of the single-use container to the eye or to any surface.

Contact lenses should be removed before using this medication and may be put back in twenty minutes after using the treatment. Wait at least fifteen minutes before using any other eye drops your healthcare provider has prescribed.

This eye drop solution is not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old.

Cost

A 30-day supply will cost around $512.00.

Side Effects and Precautions

The most common side effects may include:

  • blurred vision;
  • unusual taste sensation (dysgeusia);
  • are eye irritation.

Rare side effects may include:

  • severe eye irritation;
  • severe eye redness;
  • vision problems.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

It is not known exactly whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could negatively affect the infant. Tell your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding a baby.

It is not known precisely whether this ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agent will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant.

Drug Interactions

There are no known significant interactions for this drug.

Restasis

It is the brand name of a medication called cyclosporine ophthalmic that belongs to a group of drugs called topical immunomodulators or ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents.

Mechanism Of Action

This medication helps to reduce inflammation of both the lacrimal gland and the ocular surface.

It was originally approved by the US FDA in January 2003.

Uses

This prescription medication is used to increase tear production in the eyes for the treatment of dry eyes caused by a few medical conditions.

Additionally, the active ingredient in this brand of medication has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis.

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Dosage

One drop should be instilled in each eye two times per day.

Notes – if the user wears contact lenses, they should be removed before applying this medication. Lenses may be inserted twenty minutes after applying this topical immunomodulator.

Do not use this medication while wearing contact lenses. Also, you may use this topical immunomodulator with artificial tears or OTC eye lubricants, allowing a twenty-minute interval between products.

Cost

A 30-day supply will cost around $514.32.

Side Effects and Precautions

Common side effects may include:

  • feeling like there is something in the eye;
  • blurred vision;
  • mild redness or itching;
  • mild stinging or burning in the eyes.

Rare side effects may include:

  • eye pain;
  • severe crusting, discomfort, or drainage (may be signs of infection);
  • severe eye burning, stinging, itching, or redness.

READ MORE: Guanfacine vs Intuniv – detailed comparison

Alcohol

Try to avoid or limit drinking alcoholic beverages while using this medication since alcohol can cause the eyes to dry out further, defeating the purpose of using this ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agent.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

It is not known exactly whether this medication passes into breast milk or if it could negatively affect the infant. Tell your healthcare professional if you are breastfeeding a baby.

It is not known precisely whether this ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agent will harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to fall pregnant.

READ MORE: Farxiga vs Invokana

Bottom Line – Xiidra vs Restasis  

Xiidra (active ingredient – lifitegrast ophthalmic) is a member of the ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents’ drug class. It is used for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

Restasis (active ingredient – cyclosporine) is an immunosuppressant that is used to treat chronic dry eye which may be caused by inflammation. It works by increasing tear production which has been reduced by inflammation in the eye.

According to studies, Xiidra reaches its full potential about 14 days after therapy begins; in the Restasis studies, relief was noticed about 3 months after therapy begins.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3514052/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10768324
https://www.xiidra-ecp.com/efficacy-symptom-improvement

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