Cyclosporine is a medication for treating dry eye resulting from a particular type of eye health issue. This specific eye condition is known as keratoconjunctivitis siccca. The function of this eye medication is to boost the production of tears. This medication is effective in treating dry eye. However, proper use is very essential.
Using the Medication Properly
Always consult a special medical expert before using medications. In the case of eye conditions, an eye doctor is in a better position to tell you the dosage of this medication that will be right for you, including how often you should use it. You should stick to your doctor’s directions for use, including how much you should use.
Besides, you will find the instructional paper that comes with cyclosporine. Ensure you read through the instructions in-between lines. And, if there’s something confusing about the direction for use, consult your eye doctor prior to using the medication.
Consider Using the Medication with Lubricant Eye Drop
You can use the medication alongside artificial tears such as lubricant eye drops. Ensure you wait for 15 minutes after using the lubricant eye drops before applying cyclosporine.
Take Off Contact Lenses before Applying the Medication
Before you apply this medication into your eyes, you should take off your contact lenses (if you’re putting on one). And, do not re-insert the lenses until after 15 minutes of putting cyclosporine into your eyes. For further clarifications on this matter, you can speak with your eye doctor.
How to use the Medication
Step #1: Use clean water to wash your hands properly.
Step #2: Before using the medicine, rotate the vial back and forth in a gentle manner. Ensure you don’t shake the vial.
Step #3: Tilt your head backwards and gently press your finger on the skin right under your lower eyelid; then make space by pulling your lower eyelid away from your yes.
Put a drop of the medication into the space you created and release the eyelid before closing your eyes gently. Try not to blink.
Step #4: You can use additional drop if it appears the medicine did not drop into your eyes as it should.
Step #5: Wash your hands again as soon as you’re done using cyclosporine. This way, you can get rid of any residue of the medicine on your hands.
Additional Usage Tips
You should endeavor to keep the medicine protected from germ. One of the ways to achieve this is to avoid touching the tip of the applicator or making it come in contact with any surface.
Ensure you complete the dosage prescribed by your eye doctor. This way you can get rid of the infection causing your dry eye effectively and completely. Even if you experience significant relief or can’t find the symptoms again, you should not stop using the medication until you complete the prescribed full treatment. If you stop the medication because you feel much better or experience fewer or no symptoms, the infection may not clear properly or may come back sooner. And, ensure you don’t miss any dose.
Cyclosporine Dosing
The medication’s dose may differ depending on patients. You must stick to your doctor’s prescription or direction for use as indicated on the label. Except your doctor tells you otherwise, do not alter the dosage in any way.
The degree of your infection will determine your daily doses as well as the time allowed in-between doses, including how long you will be taking the medication.
Generally, cyclosporine is used to boost tear production for individuals experiencing dry eyes. And, to boost tear production with the medication, young people of about 16 years and above, as well as adults should apply a drop of the medicine into each eye – this should be applied every 12 hours. The doctor must be the one to determine dosage for kids below 18 years of age.
About Missed Dose
For faster and increased effectiveness, try not to miss any dose. But, if this happens, do not delay in applying the medication. But, in a situation where the time for the next dose is closer, ignore the missed dosage and take the next dosage, then continue the flow and avoid skipping the dosage henceforth.
Finally, you should store cyclosporine at a room temperature in a closed container.