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Tyrvaya

varenicline
Used for Dry Eye

Tyrvaya (varenicline) is a cholinergic agonist. It's a nasal spray used to treat dry eye in adults. This medication is sprayed into each nostril, typically twice a day. Some side effects of Tyrvaya (varenicline) include sneezing, cough, and throat irritation.

Reviewed by:Last reviewed on March 17, 2024
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What is Tyrvaya (varenicline)?

What is Tyrvaya (varenicline) used for?

How Tyrvaya (varenicline) works

Tyrvaya (varenicline) is a cholinergic agonist. The exact way it works to treat dry eye isn't well-understood. But it's thought to work by activating certain receptors in the body responsible for making tear film. So Tyrvaya (varenicline) soothes dry eyes by helping your body make more of its own natural tear film.

Drug facts

Common BrandsTyrvaya
Drug ClassCholinergic agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Side effects of Tyrvaya (varenicline)

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

  • Sneezing (82%)
  • Cough (16%)
  • Throat irritation (13%)
  • Nose irritation (8%)

Source: DailyMed

The following Tyrvaya (varenicline) side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

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$826.17(Save 72.77%)
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Pros and cons of Tyrvaya (varenicline)

Pros

  • Can relieve dry eyes in as quickly as 5 minutes
  • Can cause eyes to make 50% more tears after a month of treatment
  • Can be stored at room temperature

Cons

  • Must be used twice a day and in each nostril
  • Brand name only
  • Commonly causes sneezing as a side effect
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Pharmacist tips for Tyrvaya (varenicline)

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  • Tyrvaya (varenicline) comes with two bottles. Each bottle should last about 15 days. Open the second bottle only after you have finished the first.
  • Don't shake Tyrvaya (varenicline) since this can damage the medication. This spray is different from other nasal sprays.
  • Store Tyrvaya (varenicline) at room temperature. Don't ever freeze it or this could damage the medication and make it not work as well. Make sure to throw away any open bottle after 30 days.

Read the instructions for use or watch this video to get familiar with using Tyrvaya (varenicline):

  • Before using Tyrvaya (varenicline) spray for the first time, you'll need to prime (ready) your bottle. Do this by spraying 7 sprays into the air away from your face. This will help make sure you get the right dose.
  • If you haven't used Tyrvaya (varenicline) for more than 5 days, you'll need to re-prime it by spraying one spray into the air away from your face before using it again.
  • When you're ready for your dose, gently blow your nose first if needed then tilt your head back slightly and insert the tip of the Tyrvaya (varenicline) spray bottle just past the opening of your nostril. Don't put it in too deep since you don't want to spray the medication into your sinuses.
  • Aim the tip of the Tyrvaya (varenicline) spray out towards your ear (on the same side of the nostril you're spraying into) and press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Breathe gently as you press and release the applicator. The medication will be absorbed into the walls of your nose.
  • Then repeat using Tyrvaya (varenicline) in the other nostril.
  • Wipe the nasal applicator with a clean tissue each time after using it.
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Tyrvaya (varenicline) dosage

The average cost for 1 carton of 2 nasal spray bottles of 0.03mg of Tyrvaya (varenicline) is $0.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 100.00% off the average retail price of $826.17.
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DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
2 nasal spray bottles of 0.03mg1 carton$0.00$0.00
1 nasal spray bottle of 0.03mg1 carton$0.00$0.00

Typical dosage for Tyrvaya (varenicline)

Each spray contains 0.03 mg of varenicline.

  • Adults: The typical dose is 1 spray in each nostril every 12 hours.
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How much does Tyrvaya (varenicline) cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
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What are alternatives to Tyrvaya (varenicline)?

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Tyrvaya (varenicline). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Tyrvaya (varenicline)
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Used for:
  • Dry eye in people 16 years and older
$62.46Lowest GoodRx priceView prices
Used for:
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News about Tyrvaya (varenicline)

References

Best studies we found

American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2017). Tear film.

Oyster Point Pharma. (2024). Tyrvaya- varenicline spray [package insert]. DailyMed.

Viatris Inc. (2024). Forget what you know about other nasal sprays. Learn the Tyrvaya® way to spray.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.