Xiidra Eye Drops: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Xiidra Eye Drops (lifitegrast) is a prescription ophthalmic solution containing lifitegrast 5%, belonging to the LFA-1 antagonist / ophthalmic anti-inflammatory drug class. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in people 17 years and older, particularly moderate to severe cases when artificial tears have not been enough. Xiidra is applied as eye drops twice daily, about 12 hours apart.

What is Xiidra Eye Drops

Xiidra is a prescription eye drop solution containing lifitegrast 5%. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in people 17 years and older.

Xiidra Eye Drops uses

• Treats the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) in adults and adolescents over 17
• Used for moderate to severe dry eye disease when artificial tears have not been enough

Benefits of Xiidra Eye Drops

• May reduce dry eye symptoms such as dryness, stinging, burning, and itching
• Some people notice improvement within 2 weeks of starting treatment, with fuller benefit by 6 to 12 weeks
• Treats both the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease

How Xiidra Eye Drops works

Xiidra blocks a protein called LFA-1 on certain blood cells from attaching to another molecule called ICAM-1, which is often increased in the eyes of people with dry eye disease. By blocking this connection, Xiidra may reduce the release of inflammatory substances, which helps ease dry eye symptoms, although exactly how it works is not fully known.

Xiidra Eye Drops dosage

Wash your hands before using the eye drops. Tilt your head back slightly, pull down the lower eyelid to make a small pocket, look up and away from the dropper, and squeeze out one drop into each eye. Use the drops in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart.

Wait at least 10 to 15 minutes before using any other prescribed eye drops. Do not let the tip of the container touch your eye or any other surface, to avoid contamination. Each single-use container is for one use only in both eyes; throw it away after use even if some solution remains.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. Use exactly as directed by your doctor; do not use more or less than recommended or for longer than recommended.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose; do not use extra to make up for a missed dose.

Available forms and strengths

• Eye drops (ophthalmic solution, single-use containers), lifitegrast 5%

Side effects of Xiidra Eye Drops

Common

• Eye irritation or discomfort
• Blurred vision
• Unusual or bad taste in the mouth
• Eye redness
• Increased tears or watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Headache
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Burning sensation in the eyes
• Eye discharge
• Sinusitis

Serious

• Allergic reaction with hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Vision problems
• Severe eye redness or irritation
• Racing heart, fever, or swollen lymph nodes as part of a severe allergic reaction
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness

Warnings and precautions

• Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper to your eye or any surface, since a contaminated dropper could infect your eye and cause serious vision problems.
• This medicine is not approved for use in anyone younger than 17 years old.
• Do not use Xiidra if you are allergic to lifitegrast or any of its ingredients.
• Do not use other eye medicines unless your doctor tells you to, and follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions.
• It is not known if Xiidra is safe to use during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are or plan to become pregnant.
• It is not known if Xiidra passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you use this medicine.
• There is no known direct interaction between Xiidra and alcohol, but drinking alcohol may worsen dry eye symptoms, which could make it seem like the medicine isn't working.
• Your vision may be blurred for a short time after using the eye drops. Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, and wait until your vision is clear before driving or using tools or machines.

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 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
• Keep in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C
• Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink, on a window sill, or in the car
• If your doctor tells you to stop using this medicine or the expiry date has passed, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine that is left over

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have vision problems or severe eye redness or irritation.
• Seek medical care immediately if you notice symptoms of an allergic reaction such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, or a swollen tongue.

Alternatives

• Ikervis Eye Drops
• Cequa Eye Drops
• Restasis Eye Drops