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Restasis MultiDose

Generic name: cyclosporine ophthalmic

Brand names: Cequa, Restasis, Restasis MultiDose

Last updated November 3, 2026 0 views
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What is Restasis MultiDose?

Restasis MultiDose is used to treat chronic dry eye that may be caused by inflammation.

Restasis MultiDose may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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Warnings

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

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Before taking this medicine

You should not use Restasis MultiDose if you are allergic to cyclosporine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Restasis MultiDose side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Restasis MultiDose may cause serious side effects. Stop using Restasis MultiDose and call your doctor right away if you have:

  • severe eye pain, burning, or stinging after using the drops;
  • swollen eyelids; or
  • signs of an eye infection--swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Common side effects of Restasis MultiDose may include:

  • mild eye pain, redness, or other irritation;
  • watery eyes;
  • blurred vision; or
  • feeling like something is in your eye.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How should I use Restasis MultiDose?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Use the medicine about every 12 hours. Remove contact lenses first.

Wash your hands before using eye medication.

To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.

Turn the Restasis bottle upside down a few times to gently mix the medicine before each use.

Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.

Wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses or using artificial tears.

Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.

Cequa eye drops should be clear and colorless. Restasis eye drops should appear white in color.

Each single-use bottle is for one use only (in both eyes). Throw the bottle away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.

Store at room temperature. Store Cequa single-use vials in their original foil pouch.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at once.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Restasis MultiDose is not expected to be harmful. Get emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if someone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

It may be better not to wear contact lenses if you have dry eyes. Discuss your individual risk with your doctor.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

What other drugs will affect Restasis MultiDose?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

This section was rewritten for readability and reviewed for meaning.

Common questions about Restasis

What are the best eye drops for dry eyes?
Dry eyes are a common condition that can cause symptoms like stinging, burning, itching, redness, and a gritty sensation. These symptoms occur when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Choosing the right eye drops depends on how severe your symptoms are, the underlying cause of your dry eye, and your individual needs. Continue reading
Is there a generic for Restasis eye drops?
The generic option for Restasis eye drops known as cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion. The generic product contains the same active ingredient as the brand name product. It comes as a 0.05% strength in a package that contains 30 or 60 single-dose vials. Continue reading
Xiidra vs. Restasis: Which is better for dry eye?
Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Restasis (cyclosporine) are prescription eye drops used to treat dry eye disease, but they work differently and have distinct characteristics. Continue reading
Why is Restasis so expensive?
Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion) is expensive mainly because it had no generic competition for almost 20 years. Today, a one-month supply of brand-name Restasis costs about $323 without insurance, while the same amount of generic cyclosporine 0.05% eye drops costs about $265. Generics, copay cards, Medicare's yearly cost cap, and patient assistance programs can all lower what you pay. Continue reading
Does Medicare cover Restasis?
Medicare Part D prescription drug plans usually cover the costs of Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) or the generic equivalent, a prescription eye drop approved by the FDA to treat chronic dry eye disease caused by inflammation. You may receive the generic at the pharmacy depending upon your Medicare plan coverage. Continue reading
Can you get Restasis eye drops over the counter?
No, Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic) eye drops require a prescription from your doctor, you cannot buy them over the counter (OTC). An optometrist or ophthalmologist are eye doctor specialists that usually prescribe this medicine. This drug is approved to treat dry eye disease. Continue reading
What is the difference between Cequa and Restasis?
Both Cequa and Restasis are prescription cyclosporine eye drops used to increase tear production and treat dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). Cequa uses a nanomicellar technology designed to improve delivery of higher concentrations of cyclosporine into the eye, while Restasis is a cyclosporine emulsion that does not use nanomicellar technology. Continue reading
Are there any Restasis withdrawal symptoms?
No, Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) does not cause withdrawal symptoms. It is not habit-forming, and your body does not become dependent on it. But dry eye disease is a long-term condition, so your original symptoms usually come back within weeks to months after you stop. Continue reading
How many doses/drops are in Restasis MultiDose?
One bottle of Restasis MultiDose (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) contains a little over 120 doses/drops. One drop of Restasis MultiDose should be administered into each eye twice daily, amounting to 4 drops total, which means that one bottle should last a little longer than 30 days. For a 90-day supply, patients will be given 3 bottles at a time. A prescription of non-multidose Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) comes with 30 or 60 single-use vials. One single-use vial can be used to administer two drops, one in each eye, immediately after opening. Patients are intended to use two vials per day about 12 hours apart. Thirty single-use vials provide a 15-day supply, while 60 vials provide a 30-day supply. Restasis is the same price whether it is supplied in multidose bottles or single-use vials. Prices will vary depending on the pharmacy and your insurance coverage. Continue reading

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Before you take this medicine: the information on this page is general and may not cover your personal circumstances. Read the label supplied with your medicine and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines or managing a long-term condition.
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