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Overview: Xiidra is an eye drop used for dry eye disease. It works by reducing inflammation in the eyes, which can help improve symptoms of dry eyes. Common side effects are temporary eye irritation, taste changes, or blurry vision after using the drops. Serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions. 

Uses

What is Xiidra used for?

Xiidra is commonly used to treat symptoms of dry eye disease. Common symptoms may include eye itching, a sandy or gritty feeling in your eyes, eye redness, and blurry vision.

Xiidra may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Xiidra work (mechanism of action)?

People with dry eye disease may have higher levels of certain proteins in their eyes, which can lead to inflammation. Xiidra works by blocking these proteins, which can reduce inflammation and help improve the symptoms of dry eye disease.

How is Xiidra supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Xiidra

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5% ophthalmic solution (eye drops)

How should I store Xiidra?

Xiidra should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). Store in a cool, dry place. To protect Xiidra from light, keep the medicine in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Xiidra?

The most common side effects of Xiidra are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Temporary eye irritation after you put the drop in your eye
  • Change in how things taste
  • Blurry vision
  • Eye redness, itchiness, or discomfort
  • Headache
  • Increased tears

There may be other side effects of Xiidra that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Xiidra?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Xiidra are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Xiidra may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Xiidra and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the eye, face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Xiidra?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Xiidra.

  • Lifitegrast
  • Xiidra
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Xiidra.

What should I know about Xiidra before using it?

Do not use Xiidra unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Xiidra with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Xiidra out of the reach of children.

Xiidra is an eye drop medicine. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly administer eye drops. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.

If you use more than one eye medicine, your healthcare provider may recommend separating them at least five to ten minutes apart. Ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure about when to use your eye medicines.

Eye infections may occur if the Xiidra eye drop container gets contaminated with bacteria or other germs. To help prevent eye infections, be careful not to let the tip of the container touch your eye, fingers, or any other surfaces. Wash your hands before each use. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop symptoms of an eye infection, such as eye redness, itching, discharge, swollen eyelid, or fever.

Remove contact lenses before using Xiidra. If your healthcare provider says it is okay to wear contacts, wait at least 15 minutes after using Xiidra eye drops before putting your lenses back in.

Xiidra eye drops come in single-use containers. Use the medicine as soon as you open it, in one or both eyes as prescribed, then throw away the container. Do not save any leftover medicine. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Xiidra?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Xiidra is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Xiidra could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Xiidra passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Xiidra while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Xiidra?

For more information about Xiidra, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.xiidra.com or call them at 800-553-5340.

Interactions

Does Xiidra interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Xiidra and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Xiidra.

Does Xiidra interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Xiidra and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Xiidra?

If you or someone else has used too much Xiidra, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Xiidra?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. 

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