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Compare Xiidra vs. Lacrisert

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) are both prescription medications used to treat dry eyes, but they work in different ways and have different forms. Xiidra is an eye drop that you apply twice daily, while Lacrisert is a small insert placed in the eye once a day. Xiidra works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation, which helps reduce redness and irritation over time. On the other hand, Lacrisert acts as a long-lasting artificial tear, thickening the tear film to keep your eyes moist. Xiidra can cause temporary eye irritation and blurry vision, but these side effects usually go away quickly. Lacrisert can also cause blurry vision and eye discomfort, and it can be tricky to place correctly at first. Xiidra and Lacrisert are only available as a brand name medication.

  • Xiidra (lifitegrast)
    Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)
  • Xiidra (lifitegrast)
    Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)

  • Summary of Xiidra vs. Lacrisert

    Summary for LFA-1 antagonist
    Prescription only

    Xiidra (lifitegrast) is an eye drop medication that treats dry eye. Typically, you apply one drop two times every day. Common side effects of Xiidra (lifitegrast) can include temporary eye irritation and unclear vision after using the eye drops. At this time, Xiidra (lifitegrast) is available only as a brand medication; there's no generic version yet.

    Summary for Ophthalmic agent
    Prescription only

    Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose) is a long-acting artificial tears insert that helps relieve eye dryness and irritation. It's placed between your eyeball and lower eyelid. The insert can be difficult to place, especially in the beginning, but it only has to be placed once a day unlike similar eye drops.

  • Indications of Xiidra vs. Lacrisert

    Indications for
    •Dry eyes
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe dry eye conditions, especially in people who don't find relief after trying artificial tear solutions first
    •Dry eyes caused by your eyes not fully closing (exposure keratitis)
    •Recurrent damage to the surface of the eye (corneal erosions)
    •Less eyelid closing and tear production when the eye senses something is bothering it (lowered corneal sensitivity)

  • Pros and Cons of Xiidra vs. Lacrisert

    Pros and Const for LFA-1 antagonist
    Pros
    •Works to provide long-term relief of dry eye
    •Might be less likely to cause burning in the eyes than Restasis (cyclosporine) eye drops
    •Preservative-free
    Cons
    •Won't give you instant relief and have to take for a couple weeks before it starts working
    •Can't use for people younger than 17 years old
    •Only available as a brand medication
    Pros and Const for Ophthalmic agent
    Pros
    •Typically used once daily, unlike artificial tear drops
    •Preservative-free and provides all-day relief for dry eyes
    Cons
    •Must follow instructions closely; can be harder to put in than eye drops
    •Available as a brand medication only, so it can be expensive

  • Common Side Effects of Xiidra vs. Lacrisert

    Common Side Effects for
    •Eye irritation (5-25%)
    •Unusual taste in the mouth (5-25%)
    •Unclear vision (5-25%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blurry vision
    •Eye discomfort or irritation
    •Red eyes
    •Eyelash matting or stickiness
    •Eyelid swelling
    •Light sensitivity
    •Allergic reactions

  • Warnings of Xiidra vs. Lacrisert

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of contamination
    Common Side Effects for
    •Carefully follow instructions for inserting and removing Lacrisert (hydroxypropyl cellulose)
    •Blurry vision

  • Prices with our coupons for Xiidra vs. Lacrisert

    Learn more about Xiidra
    Learn more about Lacrisert

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