How Long It Takes Restasis to Work (Plus 4 More Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Using It)

Restasis (cyclosporine) is a prescription-only eye drop that’s FDA-approved to treat chronic dry eye. It can be especially helpful if your dry eye is being caused by inflammation (swelling) that interferes with your tear ducts. This eye drop is one of several treatment options available for the condition.

If you’ve never tried Restasis before, you may have questions about the medication. For instance, you may want to know how long it takes for Restasis to work. Always follow any guidance from your healthcare provider. They may have recommendations that are specific to your unique situation. But below are some common questions and tips to help you get the most out of your medication.

Note: Other prescription eye drops also contain the active ingredient cyclosporine but at a stronger dose per drop than Restasis. Cequa and Verkazia are two examples. In this article, we focus on Restasis and its generic, which both contain cyclosporine 0.05%.

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1. How long does it take for Restasis to work?

In clinical trials, it took about 6 months for people using Restasis to see significant dry eye improvement. But other studies have found that some people — particularly those with milder symptoms — may notice some relief within a month.

Restasis takes quite a bit longer than over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating eye drops to start working. This is because Restasis helps increase your natural tear production. It doesn’t just moisten your eyes when you apply it. Because it could take a few months for you to feel relief, your healthcare provider may suggest using OTC eye drops until Restasis kicks in.

2. How does Restasis work for dry eyes?

Experts believe Restasis lowers inflammation in the eyes, allowing them to produce more natural tears and stay moistened. It targets a cause of chronic dry eye. This should help lessen symptoms over time.

Restasis works differently from OTC lubricating drops (also called artificial tears). Lubricating eye drops are intended to temporarily moisten the eye by providing fluid that is similar to your tears. But unlike Restasis, they don’t treat the cause of the condition. OTC lubricating drops only work for a short time after you apply them.

3. How long does Restasis stay in your system?

Restasis isn’t absorbed into the bloodstream. So it never actually enters “your system.” Since Restasis is administered as an eye drop, its effects are limited to the area in and around your eyes. This helps lower the risk of side effects and interactions. But Restasis lasts in the eyes for about 12 hours. That’s why the usual dosage is one drop in each eye every 12 hours.

4. Can you use Restasis with other eye drops?

According to the manufacturer, you can use Restasis while using lubricant eye drops. You should separate your doses of each product by at least 15 minutes.

There aren’t specific instructions from the manufacturer about using Restasis if you take other types of eye drops (not lubricant drops). Generally speaking, taking multiple eye drops isn’t a problem, as long as you space them out sufficiently. But it’s best to double-check with your eye specialist on how long to wait between drops.

It may also be helpful to know that Restasis isn’t recommended to be used while wearing contact lenses. They should be removed before applying your dose. You can put your contacts back in at least 15 minutes after completing your Restasis dose.

5. What if you miss a dose of Restasis?

It can be easy to forget a dose of Restasis, especially since the doses should be spaced 12 hours apart. If you miss a dose of Restasis, instill the dose in your eye(s) as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to the time when you’d take your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule. Avoid taking a double or extra dose.

If you find you’re forgetting doses often, there are plenty of tips and tools available to help you remember your medication. Setting an alarm or using a medication reminder app on your smartphone are two examples.

Tips on how to save money on Restasis

Restasis is available as a brand-name medication. But you can also find it as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save on the average retail price of the brand and generic versions of Restasis.

The price of generic Restasis at certain pharmacies is as low as $97.64 with a free GoodRx discount.

There are also ways to save on brand-name Restasis:

• Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for a savings card from the manufacturer that could lower your prescription cost to $0.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured or have government insurance, you may be eligible to get Restasis at no cost through the manufacturer’s patient assistance program.

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Written by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

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