Restasis now available in generic,

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Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion will now be available in 0.05% single-use vials. AbbVie’s Restasis has been prescribed for dry eyes for more than 20 years and now the Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic version. Restasis developers attempted to keep other companies from developing lower cost versions but the Supreme Court denied their requests in 2019.

According to a National Health and Wellness survey, close to 19% of adults 75 and older suffer from dry eyes. While there can be numerous reasons for the condition, inflammation, which suppresses tear production, appears to be the most common cause. Restasis reduces the inflammation.

While the drug is helpful for most patients, it has not been proven helpful in patients taking topical anti-inflammatory drugs or for those with punctal plug implants (devices placed in the tear ducts).

“Generic drugs offer a cost efficient and effective means of treatment for patients in need. At SpecialtyRx we aim to provide a broad array of pharmaceutical options to meet the needs of our clients and their residents,” stated Joe Kubulak, Chief Operating Officer.