Restasis

I have had horrible side effects from Restasis. not only do I feel nausea and have headaches---yesterday my BP went through the roof and swear I had heart palpitations.
Doctor said "I can tell you it's not from the drops"......
I'm hypersensitive to drugs and isn't cyclosporine the main ingredient which is know to cause some side effects for people?
We are forced to obtain information that doctors should already know....

I tiried restasis one time, one drop in each eye..about An hour later I start experiencing eye blurring. Headache.stomach pain nause the sensation of head stuffiness and a lump in my throat.....DAMN.....so not worth it.....

Very disappointed in the fact that people will do almost anything for money...when you have a minor situation with a particular part of your anatomy & you go to & confide in doctors for the best interest of your health,hence the "hypocratic oath"and you are giving medications that compound your health issues beyond the current state of your health, its catastrophic! Basically money/greed blinds sound judgment for the greater good of the masses!!!

I have taken Restasis for about 7 weeks for watery eyes. About 4 weeks ago, I noticed a feeling of something in my throad, perhaps swollen. Now swallowing food is difficult. Feels as the the food is catching in my throat. I went to my GP and was placed on nose spray. Four days ago I checked the Restasis side effects online and was surprised to see swelling in the throat and difficulty swallowing as a possible side effect. Immediately stopped the Restasis, but the symtom continues. Anyone else have this problem from Restasis?

I'vebeen using restasis and have headaches in both eyes and top of my head. I get migraines, but this headache is unlike migraines and my migraine rescue medications do not get rid of the headace.

I used Restasis for a few weeks and developed hypertension, fatigue, as well as myalgia and arthralgia. Doctor did not think it was the Restasis but I discontinued use and within a few weeks, symptoms were gone.

i used restasis for 1 month and i have pockets in my gums ...idid not know why since i'm going very 3 months to the dentist ..also high anxiety since i start using restasis...i found out that it spices bllod pressure , enlarge gums , rare anxiety, supresses immune system ...this drug should be illegal

I 'm using Restasis for 1 month and i am experiencing anxiety since .Thank God for your comments ...this was'nt listed on the side effects ..anyone else feeling the same ?

Opthomologists deny they've heard of headache being a symptom of Restatis. I have been using it for a year and still get headaches. I never had headaches in my life. One time I stopped using it and the headaches stopped.

I have hair loss and wonder if it could be related to my 2 year use of restasis.

I've been using restatsis for about 3 weeks. I'm 48, wear contacts, and my dry eyes make it difficult to see sometimes ( blurred vision) and I constantly rub my eyes, use drops all day long. After 2.5 weeks of a sinus infection, ( along with a horrible cough from the sinus infection, dark circles under my eyes, fatigue, and a feeling of something in my throat) I stated to think it may be the restatsis. I've never had a sinus infection, and my overall feeling was that there was an "issue" rather than an "illness". I went to the doctor at the 1 week mark, she gave me antibiotics for the infection, no improvement. Last night I thought , let me check if other people are having these issues, and I came upon this site. I'm stopping the restatsis today. I'm really disappointed. I was hoping this was my "cure" :(

I usually never have headaches and started getting them 2 days after I started using restasis. So far my eyes are still dry but have to live on advil as headaches are so bad. I really hope restasis will cure my dry eyes 9I am giving it 2 weeks to kick in), but so far this has been a week of splitting headaches.

I've been using restatsis about 6 weeks and have had a migraine every day for 10 days. I just called my doctor and got his nurse instead. She said she hasn't heard of this side effect. If I have another migraine tomorrow, I will stop using this, even if I have to use other eye drops every hour.

After increasing the dose to twice daly in both eyes, I experienced a persistent "headache" in my right temple that was much worse when using my eyes to see the peripheral. The pain was consistent for about 6 weeks. I went to the ophthamologist and my general practitioner with no diagnosis. I discontinued the restasis and each day the pain gets more dull. I am about 5 days with no Restasis and so relieved to feel better!

I've been on Restasis for about five years. I had a EKG done in 2005 and everything was cool, the EKG I had done last year, said I had Right Bundle Branch Block. I'm beginning to wonder?

I've been on restasis for about 2 months and during this time have had constant stomach problems...similar to acid reflux. Am wondering if it's the restasis since it's the only medication I take. I haven't noticed much of an improvement in my eyes so will discontinue restasis for awhile to see if my stomach gets better.

Forgot to add, Freshkote is an eye drop. I can't say enough about this miracle drop. You'll notice a huge difference from the first day. Please give it a try, maybe it will be your miracle too!

Absolutely! Try Freshkote, it is a prescription, costs about $30 but worth every penny. I used restasis with very little improvement for my DES. Freshkote has virtually cured my dry eye, they haven't felt this normal in 16 years!!!

After 2 months of headaches, sinus pressure, and fatigue, I'm calling it quits! SOOOO disappointed!

I just started using restasis a week ago and have noticed that my blood pressure is rising. Today I could not stand the heat at a Parade and thought I was having a heart attack. My heart was racing very fast. Restasis is the only medication that I have changed. Could my heart palpitations be from this drug?

I tried it and the first time I used it about ! hour later I felt nauseated and then vomited.

I waited a day or 2 and put the drops in at night. When I got up I again felt nauseated( no vomiting). Tried one more time during the day- slight nausea again.

Anyone else with this issue,. I am holding off trying it again fr now.

My husband started using Restasis several weeks ago and the past week he has been concerned because his heart is skipping every other beat. I decided to check the side effects and couldn't find anything on the Restasis site; but I sure found a lot on this site and I'm so thankful. He is not going to use them after tonight to see if the problem clears up.

I started using Restasis about four months ago and aside from the headaches, I have been getting terrible sinus congestion...along with an occasional swallowing problem. I've been noticing too that my gums above my two front teeth have started receding and have been irritated. I'm just now connecting the dots. I'm going to go off it and see if everything improves. It has helped my dry eyes about 15% - at least that terrible constant blinkiness, but it's not worth it if its giving me gum disease. Any others having gum problems? Any other solutions to dry eyes?

I have Sjogren's. I have been using Restasis for about 2 months. It has helped the dryness a bit but I have developed a horrible rash all over my body with sever itching. I'm going to go off it for a week or 2 to see if the rash gets better. I haven't started any other new meds or used anything new topically. I recently had one eye removed due to malignant melanoma so not sure I need to mess with my autoimmune system right now anyway.

I am curious if anyone knows if your eye color can become more deep or change slightly? I have only been using it for about three weeks and it seems my green eyes are a different shade now

Thank you for your post; it's very helpful for other dry eye sufferers like me.

My eyes burn all day long.  Plus I seem to produce excess tearing so it looks like I've been crying.   I havent monitored my blood pressure but after reading some of the posts here I think I'll start today.

burning all day long and lost all ambition  had to lay down all day long and terribly tired

I have been using Restatis for about 3 or 4 months to help with my blepharitis and dry eye. It has actually been helping my eyes.
 
However, today I started researching side effects when I woke up with yet another sinus infection.  I have been well only 1 week out of the past 3 months!  My allergist got my sinus infections (result of  environmental allergies) under control a few years ago and I haven't been repeatedly sick this long in years and am beginning to suspect Restasis, but wanted to see others had similar experiences.  I just found out Restatis is an Immunomodulator “ a substance which has an effect on the immune system.”

RESTASIS = HYPERTENSION!  Why isn't more being publicized about this very serious side effect?  Would a patient risk having a stroke just to possibly improve the tear production in their eyes?  This medication is highily marketed right now in the television advertisements and more.  Is this company keeping hypertension off the "official" list of side effects to intentionally deceive the public?  How many patients are experiencing serious consequences of hypertension related to this medication use?  This med is BAD STUFF!

Here's a very serious side effect that muts be made more public---HYPERTENSION!  This might not be a big deal for those with normal blood pressure ordinarily.  However, for those of us who have HPTN and who are taking medications for it, Restasis poses a real threat to safety!  I've taken the drops for just about a month now.  I began to get a headache, feel jittery and achy.  This continued for a day or two when I finally put the mystery to rest.  I started to monitor my blood pressure more and found that it was spiking up to 170/100!  It was then that I decided to do a little research on what others were experiencing.  None of the literature I got with this medication mentioned hypertension as a side effect of Restasis.  I was stunned to learn how strong this medication was and to what degree it can impact the body systems!  I've contacted my pharmacist, my eye doctor, and my cardiologist.  This stuff needs to come off the market until more testing is done.  Does anyone want to have a STROKE with no real benefit from the medicine?  It has made my eyes itchy, red, and blurry---I see no improvement whatsoever!

I have been using Restasis for about 1 1/2 months. At first I didn't really notice anything, but it seemed like Clear Eyes Max strength soothing eyedrops worked better. I have Sjogren's Syndrome. I was having floaters in the left eye. The eye doctor recommend Restasis because my left eye was so red all the time. She said I could use other eye drops in conjunction with Restatis. She gave me samples. Still my store bought eye drops seemed to soothe better. Now I am having blurry vision in the left eye, but not in the right. Also, I stopped using it twice a day, as at night, my eyes would burn terribly after putting in the drops. My primary doctor said that the ingredient in Restasis was actually used in chemotherapy treatment. He works for the state and is a very good doctor. I am going to see my eye doctor or another doctor as soon as possible.

I have been using Restasis for about 1 1/2 months. At first I didn't really notice anything, but it seemed like Clear Eyes Max strength soothing eyedrops worked better. I have Sjogren's Syndrome. I was having floaters in the left eye. The eye doctor recommend Restasis because my left eye was so red all the time. She said I could use other eye drops in conjunction with Restatis. She gave me samples. Still my store bought eye drops seemed to soothe better. Now I am having blurry vision in the left eye, but not in the right. Also, I stopped using it twice a day, as at night, my eyes would burn terribly after putting in the drops. My primary doctor said that the ingredient in Restasis was actually used in chemotherapy treatment. He works for the state and is a very good doctor. I am going to see my eye doctor or another doctor as soon as possible

I've been on restasis for about a month.  I really haven't felt a change with my dry eyes yet but I was told it could take up to 3 months to start working.  The one thing that I have noticed is a terrible taste in my mouth all of the time.  It is a metallic taste that doesn't go away unless I skip a dose of the restasis.  Anyone else have that symptom? 

You go to a doc to get well and end up with many more problems!.
This Restasis should be off the market as for as I'm concerned. I hope my problems aren't permanent!. I've suffered with this medication and still am.

Sure,they won't say!

I'm so very tired,fatigue. I was never that way before I started using restasis...I think they should have warnings on that stuff!.

I had blurry vision,headaches,feverish,swollen neck glands,difficulty swallowing and breathing,body aches and pain. I have been using this about a year and started having a lump in my throat with difficulty swallowing, felt like I was smothering. I went to an ear,nose and throat doc,he sent me to a specialist for an endoscopy. This is horrible to have to go through. I didn't have any idea it was Restasis causing all my problems til I ran out of it for about a week or so and realized some of the symptoms I was having was starting to ease up. I still have throat problems til today and very fatigue with that. 

I've only used it for about a week - but so far I HATE IT!!! Feel like I have a sore throat/ almost flu-like.  Eyes are blurrier than ever.  Can't take much of this.  Will try to give it a month or two, but no more than that!!

Thanks to everyone who commented here.  I truly appreciate this because i was just about to use Restasis, as recommended by my opthalmologist.  I was suffering from uncontrollable blinking, itchy eyes, runny eyes, you name it. I couldn't stand daylight driving and had to have the shades drawn.  Then I started looking at all the stuff I was putting in and around my eyes, including makeup.  I got off Genteal PM gel and under-eye gel for puffy eyes (a supposedly homeopathic cosmetic) and started using only Almay hypo-allergenic products like mascara, blush and tinted moisturizer. Everything changed. I no longer have any problems with my eyes.  Now my doctor wants to me to take Restasis to make sure the old symptoms don't come back. After reading the comments here, I am now sure I don't need it and don't want it. 

face pain and swelling after about 10 day on Restasis twice a day

I have been using Restasis for about a year and I have noticed that my eyelashes are actually breaking off and not growing back. Is this a side effect?

I have also been having excessive blinking and feeling of squinting and tension in my eyes even when I would close my eyes at night. My eyes had sort of a plastic feeling at times.  I thought maybe these symptoms were related to the Lasik surgery, but when I skipped a couple doses of my Restasis this week because of a migraine, I noticed these symptoms seem to have decreased.  So now after reading these posts about similar symptoms, I think I will quit using Restasis for awhile (wasn't helping much with dryness anyway). I had usedit  for about 3+ months since my Lasik surgery.  I never had the burning, stinging, redness or other commonly reported side effects of Restasis, but do think maybe this (excessive blinking/squinting) is a real side effect.

I started restatsis about a month ago and have had increasing symptons of burning, pressure in my eyes, and drainage in the back of my throat.  I tend to get migraines and the eye pressure seems to be increasing headache frequency.  I don't think I'm going to be able to continue on this drug due to the headache problem.  Anyone else have anything similar?

What are you doing now for your eyes?

I was diagnosed with dry eye in February and put on Restasis in June.  My life has gone from uncomfortable to horrendous!  My eyes are blinking and squinting so much they think I may have BEB (Benign Essential Blepharospasm which is a rare brain disorder)  It happened quite suddenly and I believe as a result of the Restasis and not some brain disorder.  I didn't put in my drops this AM and feel better already, but the blinking is still there, just not as bad.  My eyes were sooooooooooooo uncomfortable on the Restasis is was so difficult doing ordinary activities, which was never a problem before.  Please respond to this, I would love to know what else you have done for your eyes.

I have extremely dry eyes from 13 years of wearing contact followed by lasik eye surgery.  I had lasik in January 2007.  I've had my tear ducts plugged multiple times and I've tried EVERY drop on the market.  My eye doctor, Dr. Majid Moshirfar, is world-renowned and he put me on Restasis approximately March 2007.  I did not see results from the Restasis use until November 2007.  However, when I did see the results it was like night and day.  For everyday use I use Refresh Plus and pre-Nov '07 I went through approximately 10-15 of the small vials a day.  Post-Nov '07 I go through 1-2. 

One side effect that I have experienced that I believe is linked to the Restasis is extreme light sensitivity.  I have blue eyes & have always been fairly light sensitive but since using Restasis I pretty much can't go outside during the day without sunglasses, even when it's cloudy.  I don't think it was due to the laisk because I did not experience it until I started the Restasis. 

I notice a difference, i.e. my eyes are more dry, when I stop using or am not religious about using my Restasis.  Dr Mosh said that I have to be consistant with it in order for it to continue working.  Just as it took 9 months to start working, it is less effective if I'm not consistant.

Anyway, I recommed sticking with it if you haven't noticed a difference yet.  I know how frustrating it can be (typically for me, dryness = blurry vision)!  I also pay quite a lot for Restasis but it also offsets the costs of my everyday drops.  There's also a $20 rebate at restasis10.com (don't know how long it's available so sorry if you go there and it's not there!)

"Guest" , I also have been on Restasis for a while (1 1/2- 2 yrs.) and I also have noticed EXACTLY the same symptoms (i.e. lots of blinking, feeling of pressure to blink etc.)I also have noticed that my eyelids feel like they are "dried out", as well. I have told all of this to my Dr. and she felt that I have "Blepharitus",which is inflammation of the eyelid. I followed the treatment  and STILL have the eye dryness!. It is a very bothersome condition to say the least.

i've been using restatis for quite some time. I've been having a lot of blinking and a feeling of pressure to blink. I thought it was sinuses, but now I'm wondering if it's the restatis. Does anyone have this?

Before taking Restasis read about the side effects of other medications you are taking that may be the cause of your dry eyes.   I was prescribed Restasis but learned that Simvastatin was really the cause of my dry eyes.   I am off simvastatin now and hopefully I will not have this problem any longer.  It is a shame some of these drugs are allowed on the market.  Just look at the side effects.  Horrifying, isn't it?   Leave those dangerous drugs at the pharmacy.  Maybe those drug manufactures will get the message.

I'm in my early 40"s  I suffer from dry eyes and gritty feeling like something is in my eye, This year they put tear duct plugs in my eyes to hold in the tears to lubricate my eyes. The eye plugs are  a three  second painless procedure. The doctor prescribed Restasis , Well guess what another doctor who saw me later told me that Restasis  is toxic that is what my medical doctor told me because  I had been using more than I should be I was using  few drops every day ( four days total), because I was suffering.  It  made my dry eye worse. red itchy painful ! My eyes were a lot worse!  So I go the  doctor to find out why my eyes are getting worse well they she said it is Restasis is bad and toxic for me ! Then I had my eyes checked by the doctore  to see if the damage was beyond repair . Scary ! Apparently she said my eyes now looked  bad she compared it to raw open skin ..Restasis.your supposed to use at NIGHT ONLY and then she mumbled something about cancer patient studies. I ran out of there I mean fast called on my cell phone for the best naturopathic this has always helped me in the past . Anyhow  I immediately stopped  Restasis. I  put some nice warm compresses on my eyes and now I'm  drinking Chrysanthemum tea  to cure dry eyes  ( which is one of China's most popular Herbal teas. It is very refreshing and has a slightly sweet taste and fragrance. It is well-known cure I drink it twice a day . I'm using this nice eyes drops that are super gentle ( Refresh plus) it has no preservatives . My eye feel so much  better already. WOW No gritty,  burning feeling  I can sleep better . I  also started taking 1200 mg Omega Fish Oil 2X a day . The cure has cost me so far may twenty dollars, the ND is covered by my insurance   Meanwhile I'm having my blood drawn to to find out what is causing my dry eyes  by checking my blood or defiencies of any sort or hormonal imbalance. I hope this helps somone if they are  suffering like I have with dry red eyes.

I have been on Restasis for 7 months and I have had no relief from my dry eye problems.  The stinging, burning, itching, and headaches I am experiencing have been an absolute nightmare. My eye doctor did not seem to be concerned.  I am saying goodbye to Restasis and my doctor.

Hey Bea! I'm also have the same problem as you. When I seek for the doctor, he said there is nothing to do with restasis. He said restasis did not give side effect as headache.

Hi,i need to buy restasis bud i cant find it in Ukraine.who knows where i can order it?

Hi
I have been taking restasis for dry eyes for one week as yet. I can already see an improvement in my eyes, but the restasis drains into my throat from my eyes. It leads to a sore throat. How should I prevent that? Any suggestions please?

I'm not sure if it's from the restasis, but it sure seems to be. I was taking it two years ago and began to suffer from scintilating scotoma. Now I've been in treatment for six months for infection of the mybomium glands and because my eyes are better, I asked if I could start using the restasis again (because I still have dry eye syndrome). The doc said sure, and I've been using it for three days. Now, today, I have had scintilating scotoma again--for half the day, and the sickish, headachy feeling that goes with it. Sure seems like a relation!

restasis has worked good for me. I am 33yrs old and have been using it for over 2 years. My eyelids are irritated/red but the doctor says its from dry eye. I even quit wearing my contacts for a while but I hate glasses so I am thinking about trying eye plugs? I can tell my eyes are much dryer when I skip my restasis.

I started Restasis about aweek ago.. now im getting bad headaches and i am so very tired now. Could this be from the Restasis??

Iv'e been taking restasis for about 2 weeks & Iv'e noticed I am so tired all the time, I have no energy at all....could this be from the eye drops?

Guest 2/18 wrote- achy, tired eyes and very light sensative. Light sometimes caused a slight blurriness. (evening only, after working all day on cpu's) uest 2/18 wrote- achy, tired eyes and very light sensative. Light sometimes caused a slight blurriness. (evening only, after working all day on cpu's)

Guest 2/18 wrote- achy, tired eyes and very light sensative. Light sometimes caused a slight blurriness. (evening only, after working all day on cpu's)

I started using Restasis 3 days ago. Today I had a startling dizzy feeling along with temporary blurred vison that lasted a few minutes.  This was 6 hours after my morning application.
I do spend many work hours in front of several computer screens and it seems my eyes are not as irrated and achy as normal.
I am undecided if I should continue to use the product after this afternoon's experience.

Been on Restasis for 3 days. After 2nd day, began to experience extreme dizziness like vertigo. Not included in Restatis data as a possible side effect.

I have been using Restasis for five months and for the last month and a half I have been experiencing headaches and extreme dizziness, when to the doctor she ran tests everything was alright, then I realize maybe it had to do with the restasis, I have stop using it and it has taken a few days, but my headache is going away and I am not so dizzy. These symptoms are not even mention as a possible side effect. Shame on you Restasis. :(

Headache--24/7--atarted within a month of taking Restasis--anybody else with that problem?

I have been on restasis for approximately 5 months and have not yet stabalized my dry eye condition and I am experiencing a large fluxuation in my vision. I have also been hospitalized with chest pain since I have been on restasis. Is anyone out there had any of these problems while on restasis.

I STARTED USING RESTASIS FOR 3 DAYS WHEN I BEGAN HAVING DIZZINESS/NAUSEA AT NIGHT. IT FELT LIKE I CONSUMED TOO MUCH ALCOHOL... IS THIS COMMON?