Xiidra vs. Restasis for Dry Eye: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Xiidra

(lifitegrast)

Cyclosporine

(Restasis)

Summary for Xiidra

Prescription only

Xiidra (lifitegrast) is an eye drop medication that treats dry eye in adults. It belongs to a drug class called LFA-1 antagonists. It's thought to help lower inflammation and other symptoms of dry eye. Usually, you need to use Xiidra (lifitegrast) every day. You put 1 drop into each eye twice a day. Side effects include temporary eye irritation and unclear vision. At this time, Xiidra (lifitegrast) is available only as a brand medication. There's no generic version yet.

Indications for Xiidra

Dry eye

Pros and Cons for Xiidra

Pros

Works to help treat dry eye in the long run
Might be less likely to cause burning in the eyes than Restasis (cyclosporine)

Cons

Won't give you instant relief and have to take for a couple weeks before it starts working
Not approved for people younger than 17 years old

Common Side Effects for Xiidra

Eye irritation (5-25%)
Strange taste in the mouth (5-25%)
Unclear vision (5-25%)

Warnings for Xiidra

Risk of contamination

Summary for Restasis

Prescription only

Cyclosporine eye drops, also known by the brand names Restasis and Restasis MultiDose, treat dry eye in people 16 years and older. It's an immunosuppressant called a calcineurin inhibitor, and it helps with tear production. Cyclosporine (Restasis) comes in single-use vials and multi-dose bottles. Only the single-use vials have a generic version. The eye drops are used twice every day. The most common side effect is a burning feeling in the eye, which usually gets better as you continue to use the medication.