Xdemvy
Xdemvy (lotilaner) is an eye drop used to treat adults with Demodex blepharitis, an eye condition caused by tiny mites that live on the eyelids that lead to redness, irritation, and crusty buildup. It's an antiparasitic that works by paralyzing and killing the mites. You use one drop in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart, for 6 weeks. A common side effect is a stinging or burning feeling right after use. There is no generic version available at this time.
What is Xdemvy (lotilaner)?
What is Xdemvy (lotilaner) used for?
- Treatment of Demodex blepharitis in adults
How Xdemvy (lotilaner) works
Xdemvy (lotilaner) is an antiparasitic. It works by acting on the nervous system of Demodex mites, paralyzing and killing them to help relieve symptoms.
Drug facts
Side effects of Xdemvy (lotilaner)
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
- Burning sensation in the eyes (10%)
- Stinging sensation in the eyes (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Small bump on the eyelid
- Swelling of the cornea
The following Xdemvy (lotilaner) 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):
- Burning or stinging of the eyes after use
Pros and cons of Xdemvy (lotilaner)
Pros
- The only FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis
- Not many serious side effects
- Can be stored at room temperature
Cons
- Need to use for the full 6 week course
- Must apply to both eyes twice a day
- Only available through certain specialty pharmacies
Pharmacist tips for Xdemvy (lotilaner)
- Be careful not to let the tip of the Xdemvy (lotilaner) bottle touch your eye, eyelid, fingers, or anything else. This helps keep the drops clean and free of germs. Using contaminated eye drops could seriously harm your eye or even affect your vision.
- If you miss a dose of Xdemvy (lotilaner), skip it and use your next dose at the regular time. Don’t use extra drops to make up for the one you missed.
- If you get an eye injury, infection, have eye surgery, or notice redness, swelling, or other unusual changes while using Xdemvy (lotilaner), contact your care team right away. Your prescriber will let you know if you should keep using the drops.
- Take your contacts out before using Xdemvy (lotilaner). The preservative in the drops can stain soft contact lenses. You can put them back in after 15 minutes after using the drops.
- You can use Xdemvy (lotilaner) with other eye drops, but wait at least 5 minutes between each one. This helps each medication get fully absorbed.
- Store Xdemvy (lotilaner) at room temperature. Don't store it in the refrigerator since it might damage it.
Common questions about Xdemvy (lotilaner)
Yes, Xdemvy (lotilaner) is generally safe for most people when used as directed. It doesn't cause many serious side effects. In studies, about 10% of people felt burning or stinging in the eye right after using the drops. If you have any concerns or your symptoms get worse, talk to your prescriber.
No, Xdemvy (lotilaner) isn't a steroid medication, it's an antiparasitic. Unlike steroids, which reduce inflammation by calming the immune system, Xdemvy (lotilaner) works by targeting and killing Demodex mites, which cause blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).
While it might cure blepharitis for good, Xdemvy (lotilaner) can help treat and greatly reduce the symptoms of Demodex blepharitis. In studies, many people had less redness and crusting after using it twice a day for 6 weeks. But because blepharitis can come back, symptoms might return, and you might need another round of treatment. Always follow your prescriber's advice for the best long-term care.
Xdemvy (lotilaner) usually starts working within a few weeks, but the full effect is usually seen by 6 weeks. Some people might notice improvement earlier, but it’s important to finish the full treatment for the best results. If you don't see an improvement by the end of treatment, speak with your prescriber.
Xdemvy (lotilaner) was approved in July 2023 for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.
Xdemvy (lotilaner) is very effective at treating Demodex blepharitis. In studies, 50% of people had less crusty buildup on their eyelashes. And about 60% of people had all of their Demodex mites completely gone after using it. While results can vary, most people see clear improvement when using it twice a day for 6 weeks as directed.
No, Xdemvy (lotilaner) is only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional. You can't get it over the counter, especially since it's only available through certain specialty pharmacies.
Use only one drop of Xdemvy (lotilaner) in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart, for 6 weeks. It's not known if using it longer than that is safe. Follow your prescriber’s instructions and don’t use more than directed.
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Risks and warnings for Xdemvy (lotilaner)
Xdemvy (lotilaner) 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.
Risk of contamination
Don't let the tip of the Xdemvy (lotilaner) bottle touch your eye, eyelid, fingers, or any surface. This helps keep the drops clean and prevents germs from getting into the bottle. Using contaminated drops could seriously harm your eye or even affect your vision.
Color change in contact lenses
- Risk factors: Wearing soft contact lenses
The preservative in Xdemvy (lotilaner) can change the color of your soft contact lenses. To avoid this, take your lenses out before using the drops. Wait 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in.
Xdemvy (lotilaner) dosage
Typical dosage for Xdemvy (lotilaner)
The typical dose is one drop in each eye twice daily (12 hours apart) for 6 weeks.
What are alternatives to Xdemvy (lotilaner)?
Xdemvy (lotilaner) images
