Restasis Overuse

[calvous]

I drop in Restasis over several hours until the vial is empty. My idea is that, if one is good then two is better. Any thoughts?
Cal

[neil0502]

While I can't point you to any particular study showing any particular harm involved, I wouldn't do it, and I wouldn't recommend others do it.

You never know if a higher-than-recommended dosage of ANY of the constituents of the product might have harmful consequences.

Just my $0.02....

Neil

Incidentally, here's the Prescribing Information for Restasis:

http://www.allergan.com/download/RES...I_%20Feb04.pdf

Keywords: restasis - cyclosporine

[Steve]

No, I'd stick with the recommended dose, here's why.

I drop in Restasis over several hours until the vial is empty. My idea is that, if one is good then two is better. Any thoughts?
Cal

Well, just on first instinct, that's not a great idea. If 10 units of insulin is good, 20 is not better.

More to the point, though, Restatis contains Cyclosporine, which is primarily an immune system suppressant. It's used in transplant patients to prevent rejection of new organs. It reduces activation of T-cells.

The dose recommended (1 drop BID in each eye) has been tested and found to help with blepharitis and dry eye, but WITHOUT leading to increased risk of infection and other expected side effects (see http://www.restasisprofessional.com/...nical_safe.htm)

Adding more would likely increase the risk of all of these side effects, including possible systemic absorption of the cyclosporine. Can you think of another disease that inhibits T-cells? Hint: it's fatal.

[shells]

I would talk to your doctor

I agree that you should follow the prescribing information, unless your doctor has told you otherwise. I recently had a dry eye specialist prescribe Restasis 4x a day, but I'm not really sure the reasoning behind it. Perhaps they think it will start to work faster if you use it more. I didn't have the best experience with this specialist, and I plan to discuss this new routine with my regular opthomologist before starting.

[Julie1]

I agree with the other members on the DEZ that you should use the Restasis as directed by your doctor. My doctor actually warned me that if I use the Restasis too much, I can actually increase the irritation and side effects of Restasis. He said that my eyes would probably be more red and that I would probably experience more burning.

Just my two cents.

-Julie

[Rebecca Petris]

IMHO this is a matter of just plain common sense for prescription drugs. I'm in trouble without my thyroid supplements. But if I doubled the prescribed dose, on the grounds more is better, I'd just be in a different kind of trouble - and quite possibly worse.

There is a very distinct place for self-managed treatment in dry eye, but it's with the litany of natural and over-the-counter remedies - protective eyewear, sleep masks, humidity control, over-the-counter tear supplements, lid therapy / heat treatment, and so on. NOT with Rx drugs.

[robinzb]

Can you think of another disease that inhibits T-cells? Hint: it's fatal.

HIV