Is there a generic for Restasis?
Not yet, but there might be a workaround. The pharmaceutical company, Imprimis, has announced they will be making compounded cyclosporin as a cheaper alternative to Restasis.
Is it the same as Restasis?
No, there is 0.05% cyclosporin in Restasis and the compounded version would be a stronger concentration of cyclosporin. However, according to Imprimis, it can be customized according to patients’ individual needs.
Is there a study that shows a greater concentration of cyclosporin is safe?
Yes, by Sun Pharma, another pharmaceutical company getting in on the dry eye game. The phase 3 clinical trial on their new dry eye medication, Seciera (which is cyclosporin 0.09%) showed positive results.
How much will this cost?
Imprimis says the first month is $0.99 cents and refills will start at $79 a month.
How is it packaged?
This is going to sound familiar but it will be in a multi-use preservative free bottle.
When is this happening?
Soon. The company plans to start selling prescriptions on November 1.
What does Allergan (maker of Restasis) say?
This is putting the patient at risk “by exposing them to drugs and combinations of drugs that have not been shown to be safe or effective”.
