Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is caused by a lack of moisture and lubrication on the eye’s surface. This condition can cause significant discomfort, including symptoms such as burning, itching, and blurred vision.
Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Restatsis (cyclosporine) are commonly used prescription dry eye medications. They both help lessen dry eye symptoms by helping to create more tears. However, even though they treat the same condition, they work differently and have different side effects.
Understanding the similarities and differences between Xiidra and Restasis can help you determine which treatment option is best for managing your dry eye symptoms. This article highlights the pros and cons of both medications and explains what they are, how they work, and which is more effective.
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Xiidra vs. Restasis: What Are They
Xiidra is a brand-name prescription eye drop medication containing lifitegrast, which is used to treat dry eyes. It targets the underlying cause of dry eye symptoms: swelling in the eye tissues or inflammation. By preventing inflammation, Xiidra reduces eye discomfort, dryness, and redness.
Restasis is a brand of prescription eye drop containing cyclosporine that’s used for dry eye. It also helps ease dry eye discomfort by reducing inflammation and increasing tear production, which can make the eyes feel more comfortable and less dry.
How Do They Work?
Xiidra and Restatis work differently to address the underlying causes of dry eye.
Xiidra blocks the interaction between two proteins, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) and another intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). This interaction plays a crucial role in the inflammation that leads to dry eye symptoms. Blocking this interaction helps lessen inflammation and alleviate the discomfort associated with dry eye disease.
Restasis works by optimizing the eye’s natural ability to produce tears. It belongs to a class of medications called calcineurin inhibitors. The active ingredient, cyclosporine, is an immunosuppressant that curbs the immune response that causes inflammation and reduced tear production. Cyclosporine reduces inflammation in the tear-producing glands when used as an eye drop. This helps increase the production of tears, which, in turn, helps alleviate dry eye symptoms.
The recommended dosing instructions for Xiidra and Restasis call for one drop into each eye twice daily. The drops should be used about 12 hours apart.
Appropriate Use
Before using either medication, wash your hands thoroughly to avoid contamination. Tilt your head back or lie down, pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, and place the drop into the eye. Avoid allowing the tip of the dropper to touch your eye or any surface to prevent the spread of infection.
Contact lenses should be removed before using the drops and reinserted 15 minutes later.
Both Xiidra and Restasis are available in single-use containers. One container should have enough solution for one drop in both eyes. Any remaining solution should be disposed of immediately.
Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance when using either medication to achieve the best results.
How Quickly Do They Work?
Xiidra and Restasis have varying timelines for how long they take to work.
While both medications are effective and have identical dosing schedules, Restasis works gradually. It may take several months to observe significant improvements in symptoms.
Most people need to use Restasis consistently over several months to experience the full benefits. While this gradual improvement can be effective for the long-term management of chronic dry eye, the delay in symptom relief may be a deal breaker for those needing immediate results.
Xiidra, conversely, has a relatively rapid onset of action and generally provides quicker symptom relief. You may begin to notice an improvement in symptoms within two weeks of starting treatment. This faster relief can be especially beneficial for those experiencing disrupting symptoms of discomfort.
Consulting with a health professional is the best and safest way to determine the most optimal treatment and to obtain a valid prescription.
Which Eye Drop Should I Use to Treat Dry Eye?
Deciding which eye drop to use for dry eye depends on various factors, such as severity of symptoms, personal preference, potential side effects, how quickly relief is needed, and cost.
Xiidra and Restasis work through different pathways to reduce inflammation. Some patients may respond better to one medication than the other based on the drug’s reasons for use, the type of inflammation they experience, and the underlying cause of dry eye.
If quick relief from dry eye symptoms is at the top of the list, Xiidra might be the better option. Many people feel better within a couple of weeks after using Xiidra. Restasis, on the other hand, is effective, but it usually takes much longer to notice benefits. Restasis may be the better choice if you are focused on long-term treatment, especially for chronic dry eye and those willing to wait longer for results.
It is important to note that while both medications are effective, individual responses can vary.
There have yet to be any clinical studies comparing the efficacy of Restasis and Xiidra. However, research suggests that both medications are effective at treating dry eye.
Pros and Cons
Xiidra and Restasis are two of the most commonly prescribed medications for dry eye disease. Both are effective treatment options for the condition, and each medication has its advantages and potential disadvantages.
Both medications can be expensive, and insurance coverage varies. Check with your insurance provider to determine which medication is more affordable or better covered under your plan’s prescription benefits. A prescription is needed to access both medicines, which can present challenges not posed by over-the-counter options.
Evaluating the pros and cons of both medications can aid in selecting the most appropriate medication to manage and alleviate the symptoms of dry eye disease.
Pros of Xiidra
Some advantages of Xiddra are:
- Rapid onset of action
- Effective treatment option
- Can help with moderate to severe dry eye disease
- Availability of single-use containers
Pros of Restasis
Some advantages of Restasis are:
- Effective treatment option
- Beneficial for patients with chronic dry eye
Cons of Xiidra
Some of the disadvantages of Xiidra are:
- Side effects may be bothersome
- Unusual sense of taste
- Cost
- Twice daily dosing
Cons of Restasis
Some of the disadvantages of Restasis are:
- Delayed onset of action
- Side effects
- Cost
- Twice daily dosing
Interactions: Is it Safe to Use Both Xiidra and Restasis?
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that using both Xiidra and Restasis together is safe, and therefore, this combination should be avoided. Research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of using both eye drops together.
Xiidra and Restasis can be used with other eye drops or products, including artificial tears, as long as 15 minutes pass between administrations.
Always follow the guidance and recommendations of your healthcare provider.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Xiidra include:
- Eye irritation
- Eye discharge
- A temporary unusual taste sensation
- Blurred vision
- Headache
Common side effects of Restasis include:
- Eye irritation
- Eyelid swelling
- Eye discharge
- Vision changes (including blurred vision)
- Headache
Both Xiidra and Restasis can effectively treat dry eye disease, but have different side effects.
Both medications can cause eye irritation and temporary vision changes. Still, Xiidra is more likely to cause an unusual taste sensation that is usually temporary but may not be tolerable for some.
Restasis drops are associated with a burning sensation and may lead to eye redness over a more extended period of time.
Consider your tolerance for these side effects when choosing a treatment.
Summary
Xiidra and Restasis are prescription eye drops commonly used to treat dry eye. These two medications differ in how they work and how long they take to work, but they have many similarities.
Both medications aim to reduce inflammation and minimize symptoms and discomfort associated with dry eye. They are usually well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
Both eye drop options are effective. Deciding which eye drop to use for dry eye depends on various factors, including your needs and preference. For many, the most prominent factor in determining which eye drop is best is how quickly relief is needed.
Choosing between Restasis and Xiidra for treating dry eye disease requires careful consideration of your specific symptoms, treatment goals, and lifestyle. Xiidra may provide quicker relief, making it suitable for those needing immediate symptom alleviation.
Restasis, while slower to take effect, offers long-term benefits by gradually increasing tear production. Both medications have their own side effect profiles and cost considerations, which should be discussed with your provider.
For best results, both eye drops should be used consistently as prescribed, even if symptoms improve. Both Xiidra and Restasis are available only with a prescription. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
