Xiidra / Lifitegrast
Also known as Xiidra, Lifitegrast, Lifitegrast Eye Drops, Dry Eye Prescription Drops, Anti-Inflammatory Dry Eye Drops
Bottom Line
Xiidra is a prescription lifitegrast eye drop for dry eye disease. It is used twice a day and may take weeks to show its full benefit.
Lifitegrast is a prescription eye drop used for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. The prescribing information lists one drop in each eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart 1.
Lifitegrast is not an artificial tear. It is used when dry eye has an inflammatory component, and it is often paired with tears, lid care, and screen changes 2.
Clinical trials found that lifitegrast can improve dry eye symptoms and signs for some patients. It does not work for everyone, and stinging or an unusual taste can happen 3.
How It Works
Lifitegrast blocks an inflammation pathway on the eye surface. This may reduce dry eye symptoms in people whose dry eye is driven by inflammation 2.
It is not a rescue drop. Artificial tears may still be used for quick lubrication, separated from prescription drops as directed.
Side Effects
The prescribing information lists eye irritation, discomfort, blurred vision after the drop, and unusual taste as common side effects 1.
Call your doctor for severe pain, swelling, rash, discharge, or a vision drop. Remove contact lenses before using the drop if your doctor tells you to do so.
Cost and Insurance
Xiidra cost varies by pharmacy, insurance plan, deductible, and prior authorization rules. Some plans require trials of artificial tears or another prescription drop first.
Ask the pharmacy to check your plan price before pickup. Ask your eye clinic about coupons, plan exceptions, or an alternative if the price is too high.
Common Questions About Xiidra
Next Steps
- 1Ask whether your dry eye looks inflammatory before starting Xiidra.
- 2Use the drop consistently as prescribed.
- 3Keep using artificial tears if your doctor recommends them.
- 4Track stinging, taste changes, and symptom relief over several weeks.
- 5Call your doctor for severe pain, swelling, discharge, rash, or vision drop.
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