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Ophthalmic anti-infectives eye drops (0.25%)

Xdemvy

Generic name: lotilaner ophthalmic solution

Last updated June 16, 2026 0 views Reviewed by Carmen Pope, Senior Medical Editor, B. Pharm
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What is Xdemvy?

Xdemvy (lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%) is a prescription eye drop used to treat Demodex blepharitis (DB) in adults. One drop is instilled into each eye twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart, for 6 weeks. It is the only FDA-approved treatment that directly targets and kills the Demodex mites responsible for this condition.

Demodex blepharitis is a common eyelid condition caused by a parasitic mite infestation of the eyelashes. Symptoms include eyelid itching, redness, swelling, collarettes (dandruff-like deposits at the base of the lashes), and misdirected eyelashes. It accounts for 45% of all blepharitis cases and rises to 84% in people aged 60 and older. It commonly occurs alongside rosacea or diabetes.

Xdemvy (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) received FDA approval on July 25, 2023. There is no generic version currently available.

Before using Xdemvy

Before using Xdemvy, tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • Are allergic to lotilaner, or any inactive ingredients in Xdemvy
  • Wear contact lenses
  • Have any other eye conditions or infections
  • Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Xdemvy is not approved for use in children and adolescents.

Xdemvy side effects

Common side effects

The most common side effect of Xdemvy is stinging and burning in the eye after instilling the eye drops, which occurred in 10% of patients using Xdemvy in clinical trials. Other reported side effects include:

  • Chalazions (meibomian cysts) and hordeolas (styes)
  • Punctate keratitis (tiny, pinpoint areas of corneal inflammation).

Serious side effects

Serious eye damage and vision loss can result from using contaminated eye drops. Do not allow the tip of the container to contact the eye, eyelids, face, fingers, or any other surface.

Seek immediate medical advice if you experience any eye injury, infection, eye surgery, or reactions such as conjunctivitis or eyelid reactions while using Xdemvy.

Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or contact Tarsus Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-421-4002.

Xdemvy contains lotilaner, an ectoparasiticide (anti-parasitic agent) that works by blocking nervous system channels in Demodex mites, causing paralysis and death. It selectively targets mite cells without affecting human cells, meaning it treats the underlying cause of Demodex blepharitis rather than just relieving symptoms. Xdemvy has no steroid activity and is unrelated to corticosteroid eye drops used for inflammation.

Xdemvy belongs to the drug class called ectoparasiticides.

Xdemvy significantly outperformed placebo in eliminating Demodex mites and reducing eyelid redness after 6 weeks in 833 patients in two randomised controlled clinical trials, Saturn-1 (NCT04475432) and Saturn-2 (NCT04784091).

Saturn-1 results:

  • Complete collarette cure: 44.0% vs 7.4%
  • Clinically meaningful collarette reduction: 81.3% vs 23.0%
  • Mite eradication: 67.9% vs 17.6%
  • Erythema cure: 19.1% vs 6.9%

Saturn-2 results:

  • Complete collarette cure: 56.0% vs 12.5%
  • Clinically meaningful collarette reduction: 89.1% vs 33.0%
  • Mite eradication: 51.8% vs 14.6%
  • Erythema cure: 31.1% vs 9.0%

All results P < 0.0001 vs vehicle; over 90% of patients rated the drops as neutral to very comfortable.

How do I use Xdemvy?

Place one drop of Xdemvy into each eye twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart), for 6 weeks.

  • Do not allow the dropper tip to contact the eye, eyelids, face, fingers, or any other surface. Contamination can cause serious eye injury.
  • If you use other eye drops or ointments, wait at least 5 minutes after administering Xdemvy before instilling them
  • Remove contact lenses before using Xdemvy. You may reinsert them 15 minutes after administration. Xdemvy contains potassium sorbate, which can discolor soft contact lenses.

If you miss a dose, skip it and continue with the next scheduled dose. Do not double up.

What other drugs will affect Xdemvy?

No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with Xdemvy. It is not expected to interact with orally administered medicines and is not metabolised by CYP enzymes.

If using other topical eye medications, allow at least 5 minutes between applications.

Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

See the Xdemvy Prescribing Information for updates about interactions.

Storage

Store Xdemvy at room temperature between 59°F and 77°F (15°C to 25°C). Once opened, you can continue using the bottle until the expiration date printed on the label.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: lotilaner 0.25%

Preservative: potassium sorbate

Inactive ingredients: edetate disodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyoxyl 35 castor oil, glycerin, dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate, and water for injection.

Supplied as a sterile ophthalmic solution in a 10 mL multiple-dose bottle.

Xdemvy (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) is manufactured for Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Irvine, CA 92618.

Frequently asked questions about Xdemvy

How much does Xdemvy cost?
Without insurance, Xdemvy costs approximately $2,000 for a full 6-week course. Most patients with commercial insurance pay $30 or less. Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 with the Tarsus Connect Savings Card. Medicare patients are not eligible for the savings card but may qualify for other assistance programs. No generic version of Xdemvy is currently available. See Xdemvy prices, coupons, and patient assistance.
Is Xdemvy covered by insurance?
Many private insurance plans cover Xdemvy, though coverage varies by plan and formulary tier. Medicare coverage depends on the specific Part D plan. Patients without adequate coverage may be eligible for Tarsus Pharmaceuticals' copay assistance program. Check with your pharmacist or insurer before filling your prescription.
Can you use Xdemvy for longer than 6 weeks?
Xdemvy is FDA-approved for a 6-week treatment course. There is currently no established safety or efficacy data supporting use beyond 6 weeks. Do not extend treatment without consulting your eye care provider. If symptoms return after completing treatment, speak with your doctor about next steps.
Is there a generic for Xdemvy?
No generic version of Xdemvy (lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%) is currently available. Xdemvy received FDA approval in July 2023 and remains under patent protection. Patients concerned about cost should ask their prescriber about the manufacturer's copay assistance program or alternative treatment options.
How long does Xdemvy take to work?
Xdemvy can start showing results within the first 1–2 weeks of treatment. In the two pivotal trials that supported FDA approval, SATURN-1 (phase 2b/3; NCT04475432) and SATURN-2 (phase 3; NCT04784091), which enrolled a total of 833 patients with Demodex blepharitis, collarette counts began improving ahead of the Day 43 primary endpoint. Continue reading
Is Xdemvy a steroid?
No, Xdemvy is not a steroid. It is a type of anti-parasitic medication called an ectoparasiticide. Its active ingredient, lotilaner, works by blocking nervous system channels in Demodex mites, causing paralysis and death. Continue reading

Related medicines

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.
General medicine information Consumer-friendly language Source: Drugs.com

Content is provided for education and is not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer. Source page medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, Senior Medical Editor, B. Pharm on June 16, 2026.