Restasis interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors

Restasis is not known to interact with other drugs. But interactions with other medications may be recognized in the future. For example, people who have used Restasis since it became available may report potential interactions.

Before you start treatment with Restasis, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Restasis interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Restasis and other interactions” section below.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Sometimes, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Restasis due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Restasis include:

Having had an allergic reaction to Restasis or any of its ingredients

If you have had an allergic reaction to Restasis or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Restasis. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

Note: Before you start treatment with Restasis, it’s important to tell your doctor if this contraindication applies to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Restasis.

There are no known interactions between Restasis and alcohol.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while using Restasis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Restasis may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Restasis.

Restasis interactions and supplements

It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Restasis interactions and herbs

There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with Restasis. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Restasis treatment.

Restasis interactions and vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Restasis. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Restasis.

Restasis interactions and food

There were no reports of food interactions with Restasis. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods during treatment with Restasis, talk with your doctor.

Restasis interactions and vaccines

There are no known interactions between Restasis and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Restasis interactions and lab tests

Restasis is not known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

RESTASIS INTERACTION AND CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Restasis. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Restasis. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Restasis treatment plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Restasis. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Restasis may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Restasis include:

• Allergic reaction: Restasis is contraindicated if you’ve had an allergic reaction to Restasis or any of its ingredients. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask your doctor about other treatments that may be better choices for you. (For more details about this interaction, see the “When to avoid Restasis” section above.)
• Breastfeeding: It is unknown whether Restasis passes into breast milk or if it’s safe to use while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Restasis.
• Pregnancy: There haven’t been enough clinical trials to determine whether Restasis is safe to use while pregnant. Because Restasis is an eye drop, it isn’t likely to go into your bloodstream and is unlikely to harm a developing fetus. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Restasis. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Restasis and possible interactions.

How do the interactions of Restasis single-use vial compare with those of Restasis Multidose?

Restasis single-use vials and Restasis Multidose both contain the same active ingredient: cyclosporine. Neither medication are known to interact with other drugs. But it’s important to keep in mind that interactions with other medications may be recognized in the future.

If you have more questions about the interactions of each medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is it safe to use other eye drops with Restasis?

Yes. Restasis is not known to interact with other drugs, including other eye drops. But you should wait at least 15 minutes after applying Restasis before using any other eye drops. It’s important to check with your doctor to determine if it’s safe to use other eye drops with Restasis.

Before using other eye drops with Restasis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if it’s safe.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Restasis. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

• Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
• Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
• Create a medication list, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Restasis label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Restasis doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with Restasis by taking it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.