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Dry eyes can make life miserable. The eyes feel as though there were sand in them, and they tire easily. People may complain of blurred vision. Until recently, the first-line treatment for dry eyes was tear substitutes to lubricate the eyes. An anti-inflammatory medicine, cyclosporine (Restasis), can be helpful although it may take a long time to act. There is a mechanical approach, LipiFlow, which warms and compresses the eyelids to get the meibomian glands to secrete protective oils. What about the new drug Xiidra? How well does it work for dry eyes?
Searching for Relief for Dry Eyes:
Q. I read recently about LipiFlow treatment to provide temporary relief for dry eyes. However, my ophthalmologist quoted the treatment cost at $1000 per eye.
I am now using a new prescription medication for dry eyes. Since it is new, the prescription cost is outrageous-$500 for a 30 day supply. It’s called Xiidra. Patients are given a trial supply before purchasing.
I’ve found it works immediately. In comparison, Restasis takes months to make any difference.
New Drug Xiidra Is Pricey:
A. The FDA approved lifitegrast (Xiidra) last year as the first in a new class of drugs for dry eyes. It works by affecting the immune system to reduce inflammation (Pflugfelder et al, Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Jan/Feb. 2017). More than 2,000 adults participated in randomized controlled trials of these eye drops. Reviewers for The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics concluded that it is safe and modestly effective (JAMA, April 11, 2017).
Adverse Effects of Xiidra:
Xiidra may cause blurred vision, eye irritation, pain, itching and a peculiar taste in the mouth. The biggest drawback for this new approach is the cost. If insurance companies won’t approve or pay for these eye drops, most people will find it hard to afford them.
Carol
NC
I have been on Xiidra drops for a week, so I can’t tell if they are working yet. My question is how the drops come to dispense. I can’t do the droppette because I don’t have the strength in my hands, and my husband has Parkinson’s. A bottle with a dropper would be better, so I was wondering if it is manufactured in a bottle.
Barbara
Florida
Eyes very blurry on xidra for three days now. No relief. Will this effect go away and is it harmful to eyes?
Jim M
apache junction, az
I found Xiidra ineffective and the cost is highway robbery. I’m using castor oil. The hexane-free kind you get at a health food store.
Pamela T.
Florida
Xiidra has been a miracle drug for me. Good luck.
Richard
Broomall, Pa
I’ve been diagnosed with moderate dry eye which caused two back to back incidents of eye infections from complications related to dry eye and contact lenses, which I had worn previously for over 40 years with no problems. I found almost immediate improvement using the sample of Xiidra I received from my doctor. Unfortunately the drug is not on my drug plan’s formulary and since I’m on medicare, I’m ineligible for the manufacturer’s coupon programs.
The price of Xiidra is over $500.00 per month, which for me is prohibitive for a non-life threatening condition. Restasis is on my drug plan’s formulary, and although it’s not cheap, it’s significantly less expensive than Xiidra so I’m going to give it a try.
Worse case scenario I’ll continue to use over-the-counter overnight ointment which is effective,plus preservative-free eye drops and warm compresses. At $20.00 for a hundred preservative-free vials at a major chain discount store, they’re much less expensive than these prescription ripoffs.
Lynn
Okotoks, AB
Should you use Xiidra if you have had cataract surgery, thus artificial lenses?
What effect does Xiidra have on Artificial lenses?
DJ
Connecticut
At $602 for a thirty day supply this drug is out of reach for my 89 year old disabled mother. Having only tried samples, I can not comment on the drop’s effectiveness. I do suspect that a pharmaceutical company CEO has a larger yacht because of it.
Ken
MO
I got a trial from my doctor and experienced irritation and a taste sensation in the morning.
But at night I used Xiidra and then followed up with Genteal Severe about 15 minutes later before bed. In the morning I had no irritation, so I decided to do one treatment per day at night and see how that worked. It has been amazing. My redness is much reduced, and my previously droopy right eye has come back to match my left. So I’m extremely happy so far with this regimen, though it is outside of the recommended use. My doctor approves, so I will stick with this for a while.
Sherry
Alabama
I’ve been using Xiidra for over 2 months after unsuccessfully using Restasis for years. The Xiidra has helped with the nighttime dryness and I don’t wake up in terrible pain. But the side effects are unpleasant…gooey morning eyes, redness and tearing. But evening my eyes feel like I’ve been awake for 36 hours. Due to the high cost, I’m not sure if it’s worth it or not. Going back to the doctor this morning.
Kristine
MN
I just used my first dosage. I feel almost immediate relief if that’s possible. My insurance covered it so I’m pleased with that. The only thing I don’t like is the taste in the back of my throat a few minutes after application. There also was a slight burn in the eyes when the drops went in, but that passed in a few seconds. Hopefully Xiidra will work for me.
Carrie
california
After a week, my eyes feel drier, right eyelid twitching, and I have a headache. I had hopes for the samples to improve my dry eyes. After reading two patient review sites including comments pro/con, mostly con, I have decided to discontinue. To be clear, I repeat, my eyes feel much worse. Dry-eye was an irritation for me up to the time I started Xiidra, but since, my eyes are a constant concern. I have no doubt that it helps some people, however not I. I’d planned to use the drug to see if I could get past the dry-headachy period. Now, I do not see the point. A week’s long enough.
Pamela T.
Florida
Carrie, I also have punctual plugs which keeps Xiidra from having a bad taste because it doesn’t drain through my tear duct. Between the plugs and xiidra my eyesight is finally back. It is a miracle drug
Anna
Salinas, CA
Well, I went to my Eye dr yesterday, and she gave me the XIIDRA to try. So I’m going to pick up my 3month supply that my insurance approved for 40 dollars co-pay. I was shocked that my insurance actually covered all that portion but I’m thankful for it, so I will see how it goes with this new prescription. I have been using Zatidor and moistening gel drops, and they have worked off and on, but my eyes still are very dry. So hopefully this will be a positive for me. Everyone who has dry eyes I know what you go through!!!!!
Cecilia
Indiana
I recently discovered that my dry eye syndrome problem is very treatable with the “nighttime” eye ointment available OTC for about $12 a tube. I put just a dab in the outer corner of my affected eye a few times a day. It’s not entirely convenient. It does cause temporary blurriness and makes eye makeup difficult to apply and maintain. But if you want an alternative to Xiidra, it might work for you. I suffered for three months with dry eye syndrome and went through ultrasound, tomography, and a difficult 90-minute MRI before it was realized that the eye was simply very dry. Comparing it with the healthy eye made this clear.
marg
texas
What was the name of the over-the-counter drops?
Pamela T.
Florida
Xiidra has been a miracle drug for me. Good luck
Stacey
Minnesota
I’ve used Retasis for a few years and didn’t really have any side effects. It was working a little bit but not enough. I was put on Xiidra almost three months ago and I’ve felt every one of the side effects. I saw the doctor this past week and there was little improvement. I stopped putting the drops in few a few days this week and only used rewetting drops, felt better now put the Xiidra in again and I’ve felt a stinging sensation all day. I’m supposed to use them for another two months and see how they go. I’m not quite convinced that this is the solution.
Lucy
I think restasis is just expensive castor oil drops. I looked at the drug study, and I think that the benefit was just a seasonal change or due to chance. I did restasis for a while, and I thought it helped. But then as the seasons changed to colder dryer weather, it didn’t seem to work. Xiidra just burned the heck out of my eyes. I am wary of any new drug.
Julie
Cumming Ga
Trying I Xiidra for about a week now. I have ‘the perfect storm’ when it comes to dry eyes: ocular rosacea, Sjogrens, and post menopause. Dry is not an adequate description of my eyes. I still work and it’s hard to wear makeup. If makeup gets in my eyes… or heaven forbid eye cream!! I never know if it’s going to be a bone dry day or a ‘wet’ day as sometime I produce these ineffective tears themat run down my face ( punctual plugs). Upset at the cost of this medication. First month free. After that lookout. My daughter is my pharmacist but nothing she can do. Doubt I will continue to use it. Burns pretty bad. Taste goes away quickly. I am stuck with OTC drops which are pricy themselves and never go on sale. Best are Gentle Gel and Theratears. Tried fish oil. Tried expensive vitamins. Sigh!
Melissa
Ohio
Lucy, Xiidra burns my eyes at night too. But not so much in the mornings. But I’ve found the advantages far outweigh the burning I experience for a minute or two each night.
Nikee
Washington
My first prescription cost me nothing. I used Xiidra, it worked good. I only used one drop per eye once a day, to elongate the prescription. The second prescription cost me nothing again, as I used an additional coupon. The 3rd refill, would have cost me $250.00, while the product works, the 250.00 was after the coupon so the total cost was 512.00. My insurance doesn’t pick up any of the cost. I find it shameful that the cost is so high. I did not fill the 3rd prescription, but I’m back to suffering using over the counter products.
Millie
California
My insurance pay for Restasis and Xiidra, so it varies with your insurance. Restasis is free with 90 day prescriptions and using the manufacturer card. I’ve been told Xiidra is $10 a month with insurance and Xiidra card. I used Restasis for years with good results, but it doesn’t seem to be working as well anymore. I am going to try Xiidra.
Margarita G.
California
I’m in the same boat as you … There is no way I could afford this medicine. First batch free, second would cost $1997. Re-submitted the prescription, and it now is $500 for 90days. Better but still out of reach for me. Insane pricing.
Mary
Binghamton,NY
I am on the fence about Xiidra. I have been using it for 23 days. Prior to this time I used Restasis with not half of the positive results of Xiidra. Unfortunately it is not covered by Medicare so my insurance will not pay. To renew the prescription would be $509 dollars, which I simply can’t afford as a senior citizen on a fixed income. Beyond that, I have arthritis and the vials are difficult to squeeze. So I squeeze harder and waste precious drops. I often end up only treating one eye because I’ve wasted drops because I can not control the flow with the vial like the restasis vials.
Restasis also gives you enough medication that if you mis your aim or squeeze a bit too hard there is still enough medication in one vial to treat both eyes. So onto the eye effects. My lids are quite red and one day I thought I had a sty but it was a reaction to Xiidra. I can see much more clearly which is very exciting. The drops do sting just a bit but overall if I could afford the drops I would continue use. Especially if the manufacturer improves the vial and adds a bit more medication to be sure a patient can get an adequate dose in both eyes with one vial.
Judith
Honolulu
Thank you, everyone, for ALL of your comments. I’m not going to even pick up my new Xiidra prescription and just tough it out. Might try flax oil capsule, but castor oil, directly into eyes? I’d like to hear more of that homeopathic remedy. My Opthamologist suggest warm compresses in the morning for about 5 minutes should help, but I don’t have all the various dianosed problems that you mentioned. I just complained about dry eyes and rubbed my eyes in front of my doctor.
Marilyn
Boston, Ma.
I have been using Xiidra for about Five months! I am so upset because I do not feel it is working for me! I feel the same way as I did on Rastasis! Goopy eyes, blurred vision! I will try it one more time, but if that doesn’t work, I do not know what I am going to use! Also they make sure that they put in just enough that you can only use them once a day instead of twice a day! They know what they are doing! Greedy!
Liz
Alabama
I have been using Xiidra for about 2 years. I am retired active duty and am able to get it without a copay on base. I am very pleased with it. I had tried Restasis once and vowed never to use it again. The burning was intolerable. I have a little blurring for about 15 minutes with Xiidra and then am fine. The aftertaste is not bad and goes away fast.
Anne
New Orleans
I have done everything imaginable and nothing has worked. I am using Xiidra and I have immediately noticed the difference. No more migraines. No more red and irritated eyes. It works
Paul
New Jersey
OK Day 1 ….. NO burning or eye irritation, NO blurred vision ( In fact I see better with more clarity ) ….. I wear contacts BTW …. weird taste and altered taste Y E S ! My eyes feel better already. My ophthalmologist uses this drug as well and says most side effects dwindle away over time as the body assimilates to the drug. Only time will tell. Like many drugs on the market each person will have different experiences and or side effects.
Pat
NJ
I am 65 yrs old and have worn contacts lenses since I was 18. I never had a day’s problem wearing lenses until recently when my eyes began to feel dry only with the lenses. So I sign up for the dry eye study with my eye doctor. She ran a million different tests on my eyes and determined that along with inflammed corneas, I have dry eye disease. I have been on Xiidra for about 3 months with no relief on my dry eyes. My left cornea is inflamed again and my eyes are too dry to wear the new lenses. I am at my wits end. Thinking of stopping the Xiidra as I don’t think it’s helping. I want to wear my lenses again but feeling as if this isn’t going to happen either. Just frustrated all the way around.
Lucy
I actually think long-term contact lens usage causes dry-eye syndrome. I think doctors should stop fooling around with the eyes. I think people should not wear contact lenses. I wouldn’t have refractive surgery either, because I think that also causes dry eyes. I think doctors should mostly leave eyes alone, unless the person is getting cataract surgery. I also think that drugs that disturb the gut flora, like accutane cause the dry eye problem. Right now I am working on building up the strength of my liver and gut flora to see if it helps. Warm compresses, or a bruder mask helps. You heat it up, and then put it on the eyes once or twice a day.
Anna
FL
Started using Xiidra and immediately have had all the side effects: blurry, burning, and, what is most bothering me, is the terrible bitter taste for the rest of the day. Don’t know what to do: to stop or continue using drops hopefully for the better reaction?
carolyn
NJ
Horrible! I asked my doctor to let my try it since Restasis was so $$. I soon regretted it. blurred vision, burning, and the bad taste in throat. Really reduced my visual acuity and gave me bad headaches. I had LASIK in 2002 and have heard Xiidra is not good for patients like me due to thinner cornea. Suggest anyone having adverse event report them to medwatch.
Carole
Rochester, New York
Got a free sample from eye doctor and was immediately pleased in the difference in my vision. Had them call in a prescription for me and was told that my insurance doesn’t cover it so it would cost $560 a month but I might be able to get a coupon for $75 off. I am 77 years old and get social security and still work three days a week to make ends meet after taking care of my severely disabled husband for 20 years before he passed. I have worked 42 years at a medical center and one would think that that my health insurance would be good — so much for the ACA.
Peter Beinetti
FL
Have used once. Terrible burning, blurred vision for 2-3 hours. Doctor didn’t tell me anything about side effects. I had high hopes, like I always do with a new eye medicine. Nothing works!
Lorri
So Cal
I think Xiidra may be working better for me but it leaves a sour taste in the back of my throat and my mouth feels coated. I think it’s impacting my taste. Not sure that I’ll continue after this month. I purchased it at Costco for $25 a month with insurance.
Fulu
Seattle, WA
You said, “I purchased it at Costco for $25 a month with insurance.”
Do you mind telling me what kind of insurance you have? Would Costco accept MEDICARE?
Thank you very much.
Lucy
CO
I tried this Xiidra. Terrible burning sensation and I could not tolerate it. The vials were made so you can’t recap them so there’s a lot of wasted liquid. The medication is very expensive. I have become very skeptical of new drugs. Drug companies often hide the trials and the bad side effects. These companies are very greedy.
Restasis is also very expensive and it’s been out for years! IMO Restatsis is largely placebo, dry eyes was and wane with hormones and environmental conditions. Restasis takes 6 months to “work” Which leaves a lot of time for environment to change.
I think it’s probably just putting the castor oil drops in the eyes twice a day that works and not really anything in the medication. If you read the insert, the drug isn’t all that effective.
Your Excellency
Monaco
Xiidra is the same price as Restasis. If you think it is too expensive, don’t buy it.
Anne
I wish I could say they don’t work because they are expensive but they do.
Lucy
I haven’t been using any drugs for my dry eyes anymore. I just hope Xiidra and restatsis don’t have long term side effects. Bad side effects are under-reported.
Pat
LA
so true :(
Louise
Ca
I don’t think xiidra should have been approved by the FDA. It burns no matter what I do. The taste can linger for hours. The vials are purposely made so it’s difficult to use….and it’s horribly expensive. Big pharma must have had a lot of lobbyists on this drug.
The trial run was short as well as the number of people taking the drug….mostly women probably……now I understand that Rastasis and xiidra are fighting over who gets covered in drug plans. All about money……
Heather
Lexington
No, it’s not. Xiidra is double the cost. $100 a month with insurance if it’s approved. Restasis is $47 a month and is only a tier 3 drug and it does not have to be preauthorized. My brother works for a company that makes a lot of eye drops and solutions. He thinks it’s a way for drug companies to make money, and the ultra eye drops will work with the same results if you are on a budget
Kay
Must depend on your insurance co. Dr prescribed Restasis but insurance co. denied and said I had to use Xiidra. It’s been over 2 months now, and I am ready to stop. The burning is incredible. The first week or two my dry eye seemed better, but now it is worse. Some days I can barely see.
Susan
TN
Made the mistake of putting the drops in and driving to work. Not a good idea. Vision compromised and it takes approximately 11/2 hrs for my eyes to clear.
Switched to putting in once I got to work however vision unable to clear enough to work on my computer. Previously used Restasis which helped for a few years and then became ineffective. This is my second attempt at using Ziidra.
Severe dry eyes with recommendations from my eye professional to have a debridement and polishing of my cornea.
Dawn
Florida
I think my eyes are feeling better after 2 weeks. Wondering if you need to be on these indefinitely or does it actually cure the dry eyes?
kathy
West Virginia
Tried this for a few months, and it worked fairly well. Then my samples ran out. Even WITH the Xiidra coupon, it would cost me over $400/month. Why are these companies so greedy??? WHY do they make a drug that gives people who are suffering some hope – and then charge more than the patient can possibly afford. SHAME ON THEM!!!!
Dave
Arizona
Yes, very greedy to spend over a billion dollars to develop and test a new drug, and then have a limited window to recover those costs before the patent runs out. These companies should spend billions of dollars of investors money with no expectation of cost recovery or profit. And when all the investors pull out, shame on them those greedy people. Maybe Kathy from West Virgina should invest all her money in a company that behaves that way.
Heather
Lexington
Dave, I understand they want to make their money back but not everyone is in the 1% and can afford $400 a month. Am lucky I guess, and my insurance picks up all but $100. Really I have two things to say about this drug: Some companies like Pfizer have a plan for people who make less than $40,000 a year to get their products for free, but you do have to disclose private information. It would be nice if other companies did the same since they sell these products to other countries for way less than Americans pay.
The other thought is that I have a brother who works for a pharmaceutical company, and they have over-the-counter ultra eye drops that seem to work as well without the side effects, and it’s is a more cost effective way to go. I’m not seeing that Ziidra is doing anything but causing blurred vision.
Fred M
Millington
You must be a drug company CEO.
betty
GA
some one told me Xiidra increases blood pressure… but I find nothing in these articles the say that. Does it increase blood pressure?
Clare
New York
I’ve only tried Xiidra for 3 doses and I only find a little relief for 1 hour after the 2nd dose. And then my eyes start burning like crazy. I had my 3rd dose last night and my eyes were burning like hell again in the morning. Now I am very afraid to keep using it. I did get a coupon and got the 1st month for free and my co pay is $75 after that, but it just doesn’t seem to work. It actually irritates my eyes more than before.
Scoho
New York
Artificial tears don’t work for me at all. They help for about 5 minutes. I tried Restasis for six months – it helped a little. Xiidra helped – a lot – within a couple of days. I still have trouble with blurry vision and some burning when I drive to work in the morning and when I watch tv in the evening – but it’s much better than it was before. And during the course of the day I can focus again, on things that are not directly in front of my face. Before Xiidra my doctor had assured me that my vision is still 20/20 but I really felt like I was going blind. Constant blurring. Yes, there is a slight test for a little while after I use it. And yes, sometimes it burns for a few minutes. So what? If this deters you then your problem must not be very bad! That being said I HATE the packaging. For this exorbitant price they give you tiny vials, mysteriously packaged in little foil packets. The vials have such a small amount of the medication that the very most you would ever be able to get out of them would be four drops. Since the amount is so small it’s difficult to get it down to the tip of the vial, and usually a drop or two is wasted at a minimum. I don’t know how older people who have trouble with the mechanics of using it, particularly with shaky hands, would be able to cope with the extremely meager and parsimonious daily supply of this EXORBITANTLY expensive medication. But hey – no reason the CEO, executives and stockholders of Shire should not be able to gouge every penny they can from people who have no other options, right?
Aretha
Illinois
I just started using my Xiidra again. I became fearful of the possible bad taste, blurry vision and eye pain adverse reactions, but tossed my fears aside. I’m giving Xiidra a chance to work it’s “magic” for my dye eyes. After all, Xiidra is recommended by my ophthalmologist, and I have 6 refills.
Laurie
Texas
The coupon only worked for one refill. They tell you $10 thereafter, but there is an asterisk that explains “only up to $250”. This means that if you have crappy insurance (like me), it’s $459 for a one month supply. I’m single and can’t not even come close to affording that. I have Sjogrens Syndrome. I am living life basically through blurry vision. Im screwed!
Sherry
Alabama
To lessen the bad taste, after putting a drop in each lower lid, close eyes and bend over for a couple of minutes so drops don’t run down tear ducts into throat. It’s been a miracle to me. Restasis didn’t help and I was putting artificial tears in at 3 hour intervals even at night. Much better but my copay is over $200. Fortunately I can pay it. I did have LASIK about 20 years ago.
Charlotte
CALIFORNIA
I used xiidra this morning and after 15 minutes, looked in the mirror and my eyes were rimmed with blood. I have not heard anything about this and am wondering if it has happened to anyone else.
Wolf
Rancho Santa Fe
All drugs are expensive due to research costs, true, but the real reason the cost is so high is the expense of the tort insurance the drug companies have to buy. This is caused by past and potential litigation.
If it touches your eyes or skin at all, the drug companies’ insurance costs are astronomical. See also all cosmetics…
Just bought some xiidra and will let you know how it goes…
Margie
Athens GA
I have to say that Xiidra is working better so far than anything else I have tried. I have suffered for many years since having Lasik surgery in 2003 (that’s another story). Tried plugs, surgery and recently found out both ducts in my left eye have been cauterized (I thought I had a blocked duct in bottom; I had surgery on top duct for ‘stones’ in tear duct). I have also tried any other drops (prescription and over the counter) including Restasis, all to no avail. I also have chronic blepharitis.
So, I was willing to try Xiidra. No bad taste, but it does make my eyes quite blurry but the time that they are blurry has decreased over time. On mornings I am going to work, I just make sure to use the drops first thing so that my vision is clear by the time I need to drive. I have noticed an improvement slowly – the other day I realized that I had worked an entire shift in front of a computer and only used lubricating drops once or twice (as opposed to at least once an hour).
I am pleased. I hope it keeps working. Oh, and I also have a coupon – first round free and then $10 per month thereafter.
Fulu
Seattle, WA
You said, “I also have a coupon – first round free and then $10 per month thereafter.”
Would you mind telling me how to get the coupon that you have received (first round free and then $10 per month thereafter)? I have MEDICARE. Thank you.
David
Tempe, AZ
Great discussion. I am a just-retired schoolteacher and may try the Castor Oil idea or Clear Eyes’ new preservative-free bottle drops (http://cleareyes.com/purerelief/). I have Sjogren’s Syndrome which gives me chronically dry eyes. After trying puntal plugs, having my tear ducts cauterized, and taking Restasis as well as Xiidra, my ophthalmologist prescribed Lacricert (made by Bausch), which are small “pills” you insert inside the bottom eyelid to lubricate your eyes for up to 10 hours. I’ll let you know how it works out. http://www.bausch.com/ecp/our-products/rx-pharmaceuticals/rx-pharmaceuticals/lacrisert [I also ordered wind-protectant eyeglasses, too.]
Anne
Indiana
I was prescribed Xiidra by my optometrist for, among other things, mild MGD, and have been using the drops for four days. I immediately noticed an effect on my sense of taste. I go back and forth between having a bitter taste in my mouth (which causes me to salivate more) and not having *any* sense of taste.
I tried punctal occlusion with my fingertips right after administering the drops, but that doesn’t work. My second complaint has to do with cost. My eye doctor gave me the “Xiidra Insider” savings card, telling me the first 30 days would be free and then it would cost me $10/month after that. Then I read the fine print on the card. As others have said here, it reads “a savings of up to $250/month for each 30-day refill.”
I have a question in to my insurance company, asking them to tell me how much I will have to pay. I think it will be about $200/month, after the deduction of $250. Also, this savings program ends on 12/31/2018. Granted, that is over a year away from now, but do I want to be taking something that is going to end up costing me over $400/month? I plan to talk to my eye doctor about all of this at my follow-up appointment at the end of this month and plan to ask about alternatives. My dry eye doesn’t bother me at all on the weekends, when I am not starting at a computer for eight hours, so I am hoping I can try something else that is much less expensive.
JB
California
My MD prescribed Restasis. It was denied by Anthem. The rejection letter said to try Xiidra. That was also later rejected by Anthem. (I can’t make this up). I decided to pay for it because my eyes were so troublesome. The pharmacy suggested getting a manufacturer’s coupon. I did it on my phone while I stood there at the counter. It’s for free for the first month. $10 per month after that. I’ve tried it. Have mixed opinions. The stinging is crazy. It’s almost counterintuitive to put something in my eye that hurts like that. The next thing is that moments after using it, it seems to expel any of that white mucous from my eye. I have to use regular drops to clear it all out. Then I have slightly blurry vision for 20 minutes… can be resolved with more eye drops. So, I’m kind of limited to taking it at night… don’t have that kind of time during the day when I don’t need my eyes. Torn. Is it supposed to be this way?
frank
ca
I’m very puzzled by Xiidra. ,I’ve used it off and on for 6 months.Firstly,severe blurring for almost an hour [yes,an hour]Then relief for 2to 4 hours,followed by almost exaggerated dryness.Refresh drops, and washing eyes helps somewhat.I’m really confused in evaluating.
So,wind up taking at night with ointment.Still blurred for 30-45 minutes in AM. I’m still waiting for some thing better!
Ps-Retired Ophthalmologist
John
Arizona
My optometrist had me using Lotemax, then Restasis. They were okay though I still had some discomfort. She prescribed Xiidra early after drug released. It is great for my dry eye problem. Highly recommend.
Martha
Meridian, MS
My insurance won’t cover Restasis and I can’t afford $6,000.00 a year out of pocket for it. Anybody have suggestions for alternative?
JB
Try a manufacturers coupon…
https://www.xiidra.com/
Anna M
Nevada
I have heard that Castor Oil is great, I got the first XIIDRA free it really works great for me, this is when I wish I had millions of dollars to burn. I had to pay 95 dollars, which to me is still a lot. I am going to start trying Castor Oil.
Put in Castor Oil for Dry Eyes in Youtube.com and they will tell what kind to get. I already know what you are supposed to get. It has to be cold pressed, organic and no other ingredients that you can’t spell or sound too chemical. I think it will work I am going to try it.
marg
Did the castor oil work?
Diana
Texas
I have the most difficult time getting the drops out of the plastic vial. My doctor told me I could use a vial more than once (stored properly). However, the medication get lodged in the end and no amount of pressing, shaking seems to get it to move so can be dispensed. Sometimes even a freshly opened vial has this happen. I cannot be the only one with this issue?
Ann
Virginia
This works for me. Hold the vial sideways, and tap on the top of it until all the liquid is lying horizontal. You are basically getting the air bubble out, and then it comes out easily,
Lynda J C
AR
I also was just prescribed xiidra and it is difficult to get drops out of the vial!!
Catherine
Berlin CT
I’m an Xiidra user and you cannot reuse the vial. It doesn’t seal. My insurance no longer covers Xiidra so I probably won’t stay on the drug much longer.
There’s a video you can watch on the Xiidra insider website that’s helpful. You need hold the vial with the drop side down and then flick the vial to move the drops down. There is plenty of medicine in the vial for at least 4 drops but the drops don’t move easily.
I’ve been in Xiidra for almost a year and feel it helped my dry eyes and light sensitivity; however I’m cutting back to once a day due to side effects- blurred vision, nausea, sure throat and eye pain.
I also have Blepharitis and am using medicated lid wipes with good success. I also installed a whole house humidifier. I’ve tried every eye drop on the market but they irritate my eyes. I do best with ointment at night. I sleep with a humidifier in my room, avoid fans, wind and cleaning irritants along with car heaters. Controlling your environment is key to healing your eyes.
I’d be very interested in hearing from other long term users.
Alisa
Montreal
To Diana In Texas. I just started Xiidra 2 days ago and I also am having difficulty getting the drops out. Going back to pharmacy for a tutorial on how to use the drops. Sure hope they work because I have been going through hell and back with this dry eye situation.
marie
Al.
I enjoyed reading all the comments. So far, I am just using refresh optive, but itchy eyes is still bad. I am using blephadex, but not seeing any relief. I have had prokera treatment in both eyes, that helped with me seeing, but floaters are still really bad, making every thing blurry, cloudy (dark).
Have not tried xiidra yet. Don’t think I could afford it….. but I sure like reading people’s comments. Really helpful!!!!
carmen s
louisiana
I have been using ziidra for about a two weeks, it has helped tremendously, but I had to cut the use to once a day, the metallic taste had gotten so bad, but once I started pinching my tear ducts, that got better, however, it gave me severe stomach reflux pain, so I took a break from it, and the pain stopped. I am going to try to keep using it, it has helped.
Tim
Charlotte NC area
I received from my doctor the “XiiDRA iiNSIDER” card and brochure “for people with commercial insurance”. The brochure states “Pay $0 for your first 30 days for XiiDRA, Then $10 every month for as long as you take it.”
In fine print, it states that the card will reduce the monthly refill cost up to a maximum of $250. This suggests to me that there is a pharmacy that has a retail price of $260.
My question is, which pharmacy has a retail price of $260? But I already know the answer is no pharmacy has this price.
So, my second question is what are the retail prices at the big 6 pharmacies: Rite Aid, Safeway, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, and Target?
Stef
Monterey CA
Hi Tim – The Walgreens Pharmacy in Seaside CA charges $599 for a 30-day supply. I used the trial coupon provided by my Ophthalmologist so that this first supply was free. While I hope it works, I won’t be able to afford continued use after this 30-days, as my Blue Cross plan only covers $100.00 toward the cost of the prescription, leaving me with $499 out of pocket.
Joyce
Charlotte NC
The Xiidra coupon was a pleasant surprise! Free first month, and even though retail was $585, the Xiidra coupon makes it only $10/month for as long as I use it. Have used for over a month now. Eyes still dry but a little better, I use Retain preservative free drops only 2 or 3 times a day instead of previously 8-10, and wake up with less pain and actually make a few tears.
Paul
Reston, VA
I tried using Xiidra for the first time yesterday morning. I did not feel immediate relief .. in fact it was quite the opposite later on in the day. By early afternoon my eyes became more irritated. By early evening it got worse. My only relief was a good night’s sleep and woke up the next morning feeling better. I am reluctant to keep trying the drops. I have tried everything else from A to Z including Restasis. All my tear ducts are either plugged or cauterized. I’ve been living this nightmare for the past 25 years. I am so disappointed that Xiidra did not work for me.
Joy
I’ve used Restasis for a couple of years and had good results with it. Two different Opthamologists had mentioned to me that you can pop the top of the vial back on and seal it to be used completely. I’ve gotten 2 1/2 to 3 days use from one vial which makes a prescription go a lot further and saves money. Just put the open vial in an empty Rx bottle till it’s finished. I have also tried Xiidra and the vial cannot be resealed (the company made sure of that).
Cindy
My friends and I have found that 1 capsule of flax seed oil a day completely eliminates dry eyes and it is good for you. My optometrist said he learned about flax seed oil at one of his seminars. He confirmed that it works to prevent dry eyes. It in inexpensive.
Donna
Washington state
I have been using Xiidra for more than a month and it helped immediately. First drop I actually had tears running down my cheek! I had used Rastasis for years and still suffered with dry eyes. I also take 3 fish oil and 1 flaxseed oil capsules a day. My ophthalmologist said I have severe dry eyes so was really pleased with Xiidra. I have discovered you can use a top from a Refresh Plus ampule by stretching it to fit on the Xiidra. (Use an empty Xiidra ampule to stretch it) But you still can’t get 2 days our of 1 ampule of Xiidra. I think it is thicker and they do not put as much in the ampule to make it last. I can usually get at least 3 drops out of one ampule, though. So far I am pleased with it, but the expense is terrible. My insurance company picks up a lot and I can only get a 1 month supply so far at a time and I do have a co-pay.
Patty
OKC
Sorry to be so dumb but do you take the flax seed capsule orally or do you open it and use it as eye drops? If you take it orally, how quickly does it work?
Mary
Texas
I have tried both of these drops,and couldn’t tell any improvement.
Went back to over the counter drops. Even tho my insurance paid for most of the cost,I still thought it was a waste of money for both parties.
Price is ridiculous
Lucy
I think Restatsis is really just a placebo. The medication does nothing. It’s just the castor oil drops that work. Not sure about Xiidra, I could not tolerate the horrific burning.
laalaa0220
rocky river, oh
It is called GREED. Simple as that!!!
And what goes around comes around REMEMBER THAT!!!??????
Sarah
Oregon
I had an eye drop similar to Restasis, but made by a compounding pharmacy. It worked great until for some reason the pharmacy changed the formula and it was too painful to use. I tried Restasis and couldn’t tolerate it either. Just to let you know, I got a humidifier and it’s not as good as the original drops, but helps a lot. There’s no way I could afford $500/month for Xiidra.
AG
Wheeling, WV
I had been having trouble with dry eyes for at least a year, especially with one eye. I recently had cataract surgery which required usage of 3 different prescription eye drops for a few weeks. It has been almost 3 months since the surgery, and I now have very little problem, or none, without using eye drops. I’m not sure if this is the result of the surgery, the prescribed eye drops, or both. I can now read for long periods with much better acuity and comfort
Wendy
Rochester NY
I started using Xiidra about a month ago. It works well for me, although the bad taste is sometimes quite offputting. Luckily, my insurance is covering it for $25 a prescription. I also use Systane Balance drops several times a day. It’s so nice not to have bloodshot eyes all the time.
Pat
Abilene, Texas
I certainly agree with all the previous comments about the cost of pharmaceuticals. BigPharma spends a fortune on political campaigns, lobbying Congress, and the FDC. My other gripe is the manner in which these eye drops are sold………the packaging is very wasteful, not to mention not environmentally appropriate.
The individual vials are plastic and cause the same environmental problems as any other plastic containers. Undoubtedly, this type of packaging must be more costly than eye drops in bottles. I recently had cataract surgery, which required my using several prescription eyedrops for several weeks’ the prescriptions were, however, in multi-dose bottles. I also find the individual vials much more difficult to use, not to mention wasteful.
Ruth
Oxford, Ohio
I started taking Vitamin B12 (one tablet per day) and found, that as an unexpected benefit, my dry eyes got significantly less dry. Still have to use moistening (non-prescription) eyedrops, but *much* less frequently (once or twice a day), less frequently if I’m not spending too much time in front of the computer screen.
Peggy
Oriental,NC
I was using restasis for a period of about a year with limited results.
I had the Lipiflo procedure for $800 total and it helped. Then I was prescribed Xiidra and told to stay on Restasis until I used up my supply. Xiidra works the best for me. It burns but my doctor said to use a small drop of Refresh Plus first and then put the Xiidra in. It also helps to close off the tear ducts by pressing them with fingertips for one minute after drops are inserted. This cuts down the aftertaste significantly. The insert directions actually give this direction.
Ann
Virginia
If you store the Xiidra in the fridge it cuts down the burning. Your eyes respond to the coldness instead of what causes the burning.
Elaine
NY
Thank you!!!! This WORKS. I used my first vial of Xiidra, and it felt as if my eyes were on fire for the next hour. I called my doctor’s office the next morning to tell her I couldn’t tolerate the burning and to discuss plans for ducal plugs instead. While on hold I discovered this post, figured it was worth a try; hung up the phone and moved the packs to the frig. What an amazing difference. Day 3, and there is already a significant improvement in my symptoms, and no more burning. Hoping it lasts.
Rmg
NJ
I’ve been taking Xiidra for several months, after Restasis stopped improving my blepharitis condition. There has been a slow, but noticeable improvement, although the cost is very high. Xiidra comes in cute little plastic capsules, with each capsule having only enough fluid for one drop in each eye, and you then discard the capsule (there is usually one or two drops left over, so if you miss getting a drop in, you have a second shot at it).
But I need to take it twice a day, so the cost mounts rapidly. List price, without insurance, is over $500 for a month’s supply. My insurance wouldn’t cover any of it, but after I appealed, they now cover 50% of the cost (better than nothing). So if you do the math, it comes out to each DROP costing over $4, twice a day for both eyes.
It has a bitter taste to it, which gets into your nose and mouth through the tear ducts located in your lower eye lids, located closest to your nose. So you need to put your index and middle finger over the little duct holes, put the drops in and then wait a least a minute before removing your fingers. Works every time. I’m continuing with Xiidra in the hopes I will see further improvement over time (there are apparently no other drugs, other than Restasis, for blepharitis).
My ophthalmologist is pleased with the results so far, and I have not had any appreciable side effects except some initial irritation of the eyes which gradually faded over a few weeks. One commenter noted here that it was not possible for a few drops of medicine to cost so much, but she seems to have forgotten that it can cost millions to develop, test and market a major new drug, so that’s what you’re paying for.
Angela
I have been using castor oil drops in my eyes at night. It’s been working well so far.
Virginia
Truckee, CA
The use of castor oil in the eye is interesting to me. No one has ever mentioned that to me before. Xiidra has had a limited impact on my DED. Someone else mentioned flax seed oil but, did not say if they were using it orally or as an eye drop. Would be curious to know.
Libby
ATL ga
Please tell me about Castor oil drops in your eyes. I have been using Castor oil on my skin and have seen some improvement. I have been give a free trial for Xiidra and after reading review, do not want to take it…plese sheare about all the details of the castor oil in your eyes.
Birder
South Pasadena, Ca
I agree. The Xiidra works great. Immediate relief however the price is outrageous. I’ve been using GoodRx which “lowered” the price to anywhere from $432 to $450. I’ve used several pharmacies by transferring my prescription each time i need a refill. I also use only half a vial each time, put the cap over it, place in the bag foil it comes in and storing it in a clean pill container so it stretches to two months. Suggested by by MD.
Susan
I have Keratoconus, and dry eye commonly accompanies this disease. I take krill oil and astaxanthin and find that minimizes dry eye issues to the point that I do not need drops or prescription drugs.
Kathi
Florida
I had taken restasis for almost a year with no improvement in my dry eyes. And I developed extremely bloodshot eyes and crustiness. The ophthalmologist didn’t believe it was related to the med, but, I stopped it on my own and within two days the symptoms were gone. However my vision was still blurry and it was hard to read for any length of time.
When Xiidra came out, I was hesitant due to cost and side effects. Plus, I am always leery of new meds in the market. But frustration with my vision set in, and I couldn’t enjoy life. So I tried using the drop in one eye to see if it worked and if I would get a terrible taste in my mouth.
I was amazed at the result, in one day. I can see again and read as much as I want. No more film across my eyes. My ophthalmologist had told me I could use each individual dropper up to 3 days as long as I didn’t touch the tip and stored it properly. So, that is what I do now. After I put my drops into my eye, I carefully slip the dropper back into the packet. Also, the only side effect I noticed was that my eyes watered TOO much.
So now I only use the drops at night. That way my eyes are fine when I awake, and they don’t tear excessively throughout the day. On occasional days, they are drier so I will use the drops in the morning also. But then I often have tears running down my cheek. This is a wonderful medication. Well worth any amount of money.
EllenM
St Louis
I’ve been using Restasis for a number of years. Although I don’t really notice any more tears, my Dr says it is working. Tried Xiidra for a month (was free). It really burned, so I didn’t continue using it after the free trial. Didn’t notice any difference while using it. Both are very expensive.
Elizabeth
SD
I’ve been taking Xiidra for a few weeks now. I can tolerate the initial burning and taste after I use the drops. I recently noticed my eyes have been watering too much as well. I wondered about using the drops just once a day instead of twice. Hopefully that will help as I’m really hoping these will work for me.
Midge
Pennsylvania
I tried Xiidra (at a prohibitive cost) hoping to find relief but I experienced all the side effects mentioned, Especially red bloodshot eyes and extremely blurred vision. Make sure you have a trial sized container from your Doctor before investing hundreds of dollars on something you can’t use.
Robin
OK
I use both Restasis and Xiidra, and it has helped some. But dry eyes are a constant battle to overcome. The dryness leads to a periodic irritation that just takes time to heal (2-3 days each time). I also had the Lipiflow procedure, paid the $1000 (for two eyes, not per eye) and got no noticeable benefit. My insurance pays for the Xiidra, so my cost is $40 per box of 50 vials. Each vial has about 3 drops in it, so a vial doesn’t go very far, given that I use one drop per eye, twice a day. I’m glad to know that the Xiidra isn’t BAD for me, because it has helped some.
Nanette
North Carolina
I started using Xiidra two months ago after my eyes became so dry that they were swollen. It did work immediately to relieve the discomfort and swelling. The side affect of a odd taste in my mouth is tolerable. The medication is very expensive but the first month free discount was helpful. I considered not continuing it because of the cost but it turns out that my insurance deductible was met so my cost is about $80. Hope that in a month or two I can reduce usage to once a day and save some cost. I also use Systane balance drops once or twice during the day. I hope that the company can reduce the cost at some point.
Roxane
Beyond ridiculous that big Pharma charges obscene amounts for these and other medications. No one will convince me that a tiny bottle costs anywhere near $500 to make and with the huge deductibles many insurance co now make people pay until drugs are even covered (my insurance got rid of all copays) they are even more unaffordable. Shame on this country, shame on big pharma, shame on the deplorable state of health insurance in this country.
SNH
TX
It’s not the cost of making drugs that determines the price. It’s the cost of inventing and developing it and doing clinical trials. Research scientists don’t work for free.
Nan
Baltimore, MD
Advertising expenditures are greater than the cost of research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. Lobbying expenditures are also very high. We might make faster progress if all of that money went to the scientists.
ML
Buffalo, NY
I was using the Restasis for a year and I was feeling a difference. Of course my prescription was only $30/month taking advantage of the manufacturer monthly $20 rebate. And my insurance costs were viable. But then my insurance carrier, Independent health decided to make it a Tier 2 drug and I had to cover 35% of the drug cost and it went up to $140/month. There was no way I could afford that so I had to stop. And I had wanted to try the Xiidra but with the out of pocket cost this high no way can I afford that. So I still use over the counter drops just about every 20 min. while at work on a computer.
Why are these rugs so high in cost? I get that the manufacturer wants to recoup the dollars spent on clinical trials and research but you cannot get those costs back charging the public this much. Something has to give.
Donna
WA
My ophthalmologist told me to never use an eye drop from a bottle because they all have a preservative in them. So I use Refresh Plus ampules and TheraTears Lubricant eye-gel if my eyes feel especially dry.