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Xiidra Eye Drops

Generic name: lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%

Brand names: Xiidra

Last updated July 16, 2024 0 views Reviewed by Carmen Pope, Senior Medical Editor, B. Pharm
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What is Xiidra?

Xiidra (lifitegrast 5%) is an eye drop solution that is used twice daily in each eye to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) in adults over the age of 17 years.

Xiidra works by preventing a certain protein called lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) on the surface of leukocytes (a type of blood cell), from binding to a type of adhesion molecule called ICAM-1 which may be overexpressed in corneal and conjunctival tissues in people with DED. The interaction between LFA-1 and ICAM-1 is associated with T-cell activation and migration and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. By blocking this interaction, Xiidra may prevent the secretion of inflammatory cytokines which improves the symptoms of DED, although the exact way it works in DED is not known.

Xiidra was FDA-approved on July 11, 2016.

Warnings

There are no contraindications to the use of Xiidra eye drops.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Before you use Xiidra eye drops, tell your doctor if you:

  • are using any other eye drops
  • wear contact lenses
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Xiidra will harm your unborn baby
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Xiidra passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you use Xiidra.

Xiidra is not approved for use by anyone younger than 17 years old.

Xiidra side effects

Common Xiidra side effects may include blurred vision, eye discomfort, eye irritation, or an unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth.

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

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

  • vision problems; or
  • severe eye redness or irritation.

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.

How do I use Xiidra?

Wash your hands before using 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 with the tip down. Look up and away from the dropper and squeeze out a drop.
  • Instil one drop of Xiidra into each eye twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart).
  • Wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops your doctor has prescribed.

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

Each container of Xiidra is for single use only. Throw away the container after putting the drops in each eye, even if some solution remains.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before putting Xiidra drops into your eyes. You can reinsert them 15 minutes later.

Use Xiidra exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

There is no Xiidra generic so Xiidra eye drops can be quite expensive. The Xiidra cost breakdown is as follows:

  • Without insurance: The price of Xiidra is around $748 for a 30-day supply with a discount card; a Xiidra Coupon Card may lower the price further (see Xiidra Price Guide)
  • With commercial insurance: Xiidra is covered by up to 94% of commercial plans. You might even pay $0 with a Xiidra Co-pay Card (check eligibility)
  • Medicare/Medicaid: Coverage is less certain. Up to 66% with Medicare Part D might be covered, but the Xiidra Co-pay Card isn't valid for these programs.

Need help affording Xiidra?

  • Check with your insurance for coverage details.
  • The Xiidra Copay Savings Card can significantly lower your cost.
  • Bausch + Lomb offers a Patient Assistance Program if you struggle financially.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Instil the missed dose of Xiidra eyedrops as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Xiidra is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.

Do not use other eye medications unless your doctor tells you to. Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Xiidra?

It is not likely that other drugs will interact with Xiidra eye drops. However, many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Storage

Store Xiidra eye drops at room temperature 20-25°C (68-77°F) away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep the eye drop container in its original foil pouch until you are ready to use the medicine.

Do not open the Xiidra foil pouch until you are ready to use the eye drops.

Return unused single-use containers to their original foil pouch to protect them from excessive light exposure.

Keep Xiidra and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Bausch + Lomb make Xiidra eye drops.

Xiidra eye drops ingredients

Active ingredients: lifitegrast 5% (50 mg/mL).

Inactive ingredients: sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate, sodium hydroxide, and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH) and water for injection.

Supplied in a foil pouch containing 5 low-density polyethylene 0.2 mL single-use containers of Xiidra eye drops. Each carton holds 60 single-use containers (12 foil packets of 5 containers).

Common questions about Xiidra

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
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
How much is Xiidra without insurance?
As of early 2026, a typical 30-day supply of Xiidra (lifitegrast 5%) costs around $731 if you pay cash at a U.S. retail pharmacy without using insurance or coupons. Your actual price can be lower if you use a manufacturer savings program, discount card, or patient assistance program. Continue reading
Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? Which medications help?
Yes, dry eyes can cause blurry or fluctuating vision. This occurs because dry eye syndrome disrupts the tear film that coats the eye’s surface, leading to uneven light refraction and irregularities on the corneal surface. Meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oily layer of the tear film, is a major contributor to this problem. Continue reading
Can I use other eye drops with Xiidra?
Yes, most people can use other eye drops with Xiidra (lifitegrast), as long as you space them out. Over-the-counter artificial tears are generally fine if you wait at least 10 to 15 minutes after your Xiidra dose. Xiidra's FDA label does not list any drug interactions. But you should only add a second prescription eye drop if your eye doctor tells you to. Continue reading
Can Restasis and Xiidra be used together?
In most cases, no. Restasis and Xiidra both treat dry eye disease in similar ways, so doctors don't usually prescribe them at the same time. That said, some doctors do prescribe both together for severe or hard-to-treat dry eye, since the two drugs work through different pathways. Never start using both on your own; only combine them if your eye doctor specifically tells you to. Continue reading
How long does it take for Xiidra to work?
Some people notice less dry eye discomfort within 2 weeks of starting Xiidra (lifitegrast). For most people, it takes 6 to 12 weeks of twice-daily use to feel the full benefit, since that's when Xiidra's clinical studies measured the biggest improvement. Xiidra doesn't work for everyone, so if you don't notice any change after 12 weeks of consistent use, talk to your eye doctor about next steps. Continue reading
Can Xiidra eye drops cause diarrhea?
Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic) will not cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is not listed as a potential side effect of using Xiidra, and there is no indication that proper administration of Xiidra in the eyes is associated with diarrhea. Continue reading
Can Xiidra make dry eyes worse?
Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic) should not make dry eyes worse. If you notice a worsening of dry eyes during treatment with Xiidra, it is important to talk to your doctor about why this may be occurring and whether to try a different treatment. 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 July 16, 2024.