Verkazia
Verkazia (cyclosporine) is an eye medication used to ease swelling and itchiness on the surface of the eye from a rare allergic condition called vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). It's FDA approved for use in both adults and children ages 4 years and up. The dose is to place one drop in the affected eye(s) 4 times a day. The most common side effects include temporary eye pain after applying the medication.
What is Verkazia (cyclosporine)?
What is Verkazia (cyclosporine) used for?
- Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), an allergic eye condition
How Verkazia (cyclosporine) works
Verkazia (cyclosporine) is a calcineurin inhibitor. Calcineurin is a protein in your body that raises inflammation, including your eyes.
Although it's not clear how Verkazia (cyclosporine) works in the eyes, it's thought that the medication lowers eye inflammation, which helps to relieve symptoms of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC).
Drug facts
More on Verkazia (cyclosporine) essentials
Side effects of Verkazia (cyclosporine)
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 pain (12%)
- Itchy eye (8%)
- Eye discomfort (6%)
- Blurry vision (5%)
- Cough (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Eye redness
- Headache
- Upper respiratory tract infections
The following Verkazia (cyclosporine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- New or worsening eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Blurry vision
- Eye irritation or itching
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Pros and cons of Verkazia (cyclosporine)
Pros
- Can be used with other lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears
- Safe to use in children 4 years of age and older
- Able to stop use after VKC symptoms go away
Cons
- Needs to be used 4 times a day
- Can cause some eye pain after application
- Can't be used with contact lenses
Pharmacist tips for Verkazia (cyclosporine)
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before using Verkazia (cyclosporine). The medication should only be applied to your eyes
- If you miss a dose of Verkazia (cyclosporine), just continue with your regular dosing schedule and take the next dose as planned.
- If you need to use another eye drop in the same eye, wait at least 10 minutes after using Verkazia (cyclosporine). This gives enough time for both eye medications to absorb properly into your eye(s).
- If you need to use another eye ointment or gel in the same eye, use Verkazia (cyclosporine) first and wait at least 10 minutes before applying the other product. This is because thicker eye ointments or gel can prevent Verkazia (cyclosporine) from being fully absorbed.
- Make sure to take your contact lenses out before using Verkazia (cyclosporine). Wait at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in.
- Don't let the tip of the Verkazia (cyclosporine) vial touch the eye or other surfaces. Doing so can contaminate the medication with bacteria.
- Gently shake the Verkazia (cyclosporine) vial before using it. This will make sure the eye emulsion is properly mixed and ready for application.
- Keep the single-use vials of Verkazia (cyclosporine) in the original package and don't open them until you're ready to use the medication. This helps to protect the vials from light and heat.
- After you've used a drop of Verkazia (cyclosporine) in your affected eye(s), throw the vial away. Don't save the leftover medication. Since single-use vials don't contain preservatives to prevent bacteria from growing, using leftover medication can raise your risk of an eye infection.
How to use Verkazia (cyclosporine):
- Review the Instructions for Use to get familiar with how to use the medication.
- Pull down your lower eyelid with one hand and hold the vial upside down with the other. Tilt your head back and squeeze 1 drop into your affected eye, close your eye, then press your finger on the corner of your eye closest to your nose for 2 minutes.
- Repeat these steps if you need to use Verkazia (cyclosporine) in your other eye.
Common questions about Verkazia (cyclosporine)
It depends. In clinical studies, symptoms like itchiness might start to lessen within the first month of starting Verkazia (cyclosporine). But it can take up to 4 months or longer for you to get the full benefit from the medication. Keep in mind that your provider might ask you to stop using Verkazia (cyclosporine) once signs and symptoms of VKC are resolved.
Yes, Verkazia (cyclosporine) can be used safely long term, but it's important to talk to your provider first to determine how long you should use it for. In clinical studies, people have used this medication for up to 1 year. Talk to your provider about whether it's safe for you to continue to use Verkazia (cyclosporine).
No. Verkazia (cyclosporine) is considered a calcineurin inhibitor, not a steroid medication.
No, Verkazia (cyclosporine) is not the same as Restasis (cyclosporine), even though both contain the same active ingredient. Verkazia (cyclosporine) is used to treat VKC, which is a rare eye condition that causes itching, blurry vision, and light sensitivity. On the other hand, Restasis (cyclosporine) is used to treat dry eyes. Also, Verkazia (cyclosporine) is typically used 4 times a day until signs and symptoms of VKC are gone. But Restasis (cyclosporine) is used typically twice a day for at least 3 to 6 months, and maybe even longer. Discuss with your provider about which medication is right for you.
No, you shouldn't use Verkazia (cyclosporine) to treat dry eyes. Verkazia (cyclosporine) is only FDA approved as a treatment for VKC, a rare allergic eye condition. But, there are other cyclosporine eye drops such as Restasis (cyclosporine) or Cequa (cyclosporine) that are approved by the FDA to treat dry eye. These eye drops have different strengths and instructions compared to Verkazia (cyclosporine). Let your provider know what symptoms you have so they can decide which eye drop is a better option for you.
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Risks and warnings for Verkazia (cyclosporine)
Verkazia (cyclosporine) 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.
Eye injury or infection
Don't let the tip of the vial touch the eye, eyelid, fingers, or other surfaces. Doing so can contaminate Verkazia (cyclosporine) and cause serious harm to the eye, such as infection and vision loss.
Verkazia (cyclosporine) dosage
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3ml of 0.1% | 400 vials | $1,764.25 | $4.41 |
Typical dosage for Verkazia (cyclosporine)
Each drop of Verkazia (cyclosporine) contains 0.1% of cyclosporine
- Adults and children age 4 and older: The typical dose is to place 1 drop in affected eye(s) 4 times a day (morning, noon, afternoon, and evening).
How much does Verkazia (cyclosporine) cost?
$1,764.25
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