Can you buy Lastacaft (alcaftadine) over-the-counter (OTC)?

Yes, Lastacaft (alcaftadine) is now [available OTC](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/2021/022134Orig1s008ltr.pdf). It was previously available by prescription only, but has now been FDA approved for OTC. Ask your provider for more information regarding the medication.

Lastacaft

alcaftadine

Used for Allergic Conjunctivitis

Lastacaft (alcaftadine) is a once-daily anti-allergy eye drop. It was previously available only by prescription, but you can now get it over the counter.

Reviewed by:

Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS

Allison Gourley, PharmD

Last reviewed on September 9, 2021

What is Lastacaft (alcaftadine)?

What is Lastacaft (alcaftadine) used for?

Eye itching or redness due to allergies (allergic conjunctivitis)

How Lastacaft (alcaftadine) works

Lastacaft (alcaftadine) is an antihistamine and a mast cell stabilizer. It works by stopping your body from reacting to substances that can irritate the eye.

Drug facts

Common Brands	Lastacaft
Drug Class	Antihistamine
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	No lower-cost generic available
Availability	Over-the-counter

Common Brands

Lastacaft

Drug Class

Antihistamine

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

No lower-cost generic available

Availability

Over-the-counter

Side effects of Lastacaft (alcaftadine)

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Eye irritation
Burning and stinging in the eye
Eye redness
Eye itching

Less Common Side Effects

Common cold symptoms
Headache

Source: DailyMed

The following Lastacaft (alcaftadine) side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Burning or stinging sensation in the eye

itching of the eyes

red, sore eyes

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Chills

cough

diarrhea

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

joint pain

loss of appetite

muscle aches and pains

nausea

runny nose

shivering

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

sweating

trouble sleeping

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price

$284.000

$284.00

See prices

Pros and cons of Lastacaft (alcaftadine)

Pros

Used just once daily
Can be given to children as young as 2 years of age
Doesn't leave weird aftertaste like the similar medication called Bepreve (bepotastine)

Cons

Can cause eye pain and irritation
Not for itching caused by infections or contact lenses
Can be more expensive than many alternatives

Pharmacist tips for Lastacaft (alcaftadine)

Wash your hands before putting Lastacaft (alcaftadine) drops in your eyes. Don't touch the dropper tip with your eye, hands, or any other surface. This will help you avoid eye infections by preventing germs and bacteria from spreading into the solution.
If you wear soft contacts, remove them and wait 10 minutes after using Lastacaft (alcaftadine) to put them back in your eyes. Don't put your contacts back in if your eyes are red.
After placing a drop in the eye, close your eye and press one finger to the inner corner of your eye by the nose for 1 minute. This helps make sure your eye absorbs the drop.
If you are using Lastacaft (alcaftadine) at the same time as other eye medications, wait at least 5 minutes between each drop to give your eyes time to absorb each medication.
Lastacaft (alcaftadine) can sometimes cause eye or eyelid irritation. Let your provider know if it doesn't go away or if it's too bothersome.

Common questions about Lastacaft

Yes, Lastacaft is now available OTC. It was previously available by prescription only, but has now been FDA approved for OTC. Ask your provider for more information regarding the medication.

Lastacaft is only available as a brand medication. It currently is not available as a generic form.

If not covered by insurance, Lastacaft can cost quite a lot. If you need help paying for this medication, consider trying a GoodRx coupon or a copay coupon from the manufacturer.

Lastacaft works well for red eyes that are due to allergies. Let your provider know if your eyes haven't improved after a few days of using Lastacaft. Don't use Lastacaft to treat eye irritation caused by contact lenses.

Risks and warnings for Lastacaft (alcaftadine)

Lastacaft (alcaftadine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Contamination of dropper tip and solution

Don't touch the Lastacaft (alcaftadine) dropper tip with your eye, hands, or any other surface. Close the bottle after each dose. This will help prevent eye infections by preventing contamination of the solution (spreading germs and bacteria to the medication).

Contact lens use

The preservative in Lastacaft (alcaftadine), benzalkonium chloride, can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause damage. If you wear soft contacts, remove them before using a dose of Lastacaft (alcaftadine). Wait at least 10 minutes after your dose before putting your contacts back in. It's best not to wear contacts if your eyes are red. Don't use Lastacaft (alcaftadine) to treat eye irritation caused by contact lenses.

Lastacaft (alcaftadine) dosage

The average cost for 1 eye dropper of 3ml of 0.25% of Lastacaft (alcaftadine) is $284.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 0.00% off the average retail price of $284.00.

Eye dropper

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
3ml of 0.25%	1 eye dropper	$284.00	$284.00

Typical dosage for Lastacaft (alcaftadine)

The typical dose is 1 drop in the affected eye(s) once daily.

Interactions between Lastacaft (alcaftadine) and other drugs

Lastacaft (alcaftadine) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Lastacaft (alcaftadine). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.