
What is Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution)?
Xiidra is an ophthalmic medication prescribed to treat dry eye disease (DED) symptoms in adult patients.
Xiidra belongs to a class of medications known as lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonists. This medication works to prevent and decrease the inflammation in the conjunctiva and cornea.
What are the Indications for Xiidra?
Xiidra is primarily prescribed to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED), but it may also be prescribed for other indications.
Dry eye disease (DED) is a condition where your tears are unable to provide enough lubrication for your eyes. Dry eyes can occur in certain environments and situations such as an air-conditioned room, looking at a computer screen for hours, or riding in an airplane.
Symptoms of dry eyes include sensitivity to light, eye redness, difficulty wearing contact lenses, stinging, scratchy, or burning in your eyes, blurred vision, feeling of something in your eyes, or watery eyes.
Although dry eye disease may be treated with lifestyle changes, medications like Xiidra can help improve symptoms. Xiidra is not recommended if you are allergic to Xiidra or any ingredients in Xiidra.
How is Xiidra used?
Storage
Xiidra should be stored in its original foil pouch at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C – 25°C) away from light.
Keep out of reach of children.
Instruction
Use Xiidra as directed by your doctor, two times daily, approximately 12 hours apart.
- When ready to use, take out a single-use vial from the foil pouch.
- If you wear contact lenses, take them out.
- Place the remaining unopened vials back into the foil pouch, fold, and store.
- Hold the vial upright and twist the tab off.
- Avoid touching the tip of the open vial, tilt your head back, and place one drop of medication in each eye making sure not to touch the vial to your eye.
- Throw away the vial, including any leftover solution, right after the application; do not save any solution to be used later.
- If you wear contact lenses, wait 15 minutes before placing the contacts back into your eyes.
Dosage
Xiidra is available in a single-use packet containing 5% lifitegrast.
Side Effects
It’s important to understand that although Xiidra is FDA approved, it comes with side effects that may or may not affect you. Before starting Xiidra, you should discuss possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects
Not all side effects require medical attention. As your body adjusts to Xiidra, side effects may go away.
Tell your doctor if you experience the following symptoms, and they become severe or do not go away on their own:
- Eye discomfort
- Eye irritation
- Blurred vision
- Unusual taste sensation
Serious Side Effects
Severe adverse reactions while taking Xiidra can occur. Seek emergency medical care or call 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe allergic reaction: severe rash or itching, swelling in the face, lips, tongue, or throat, rapid heartbeat, fainting or dizziness, or problems breathing or swallowing.
- Vision problems
- Severe eye irritation or redness
The information above does not list all possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects not listed. You or your doctor may report side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking Xiidra, tell your doctor or pharmacist:
- If you are allergic to any medications, such as Xiidra
- If you wear contact lenses
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
- If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Systemic exposure from ophthalmic solution is low; however, there is insufficient data to determine if there are any adverse risks of using Xiidra while pregnant. Consult with your doctor to determine if you should use Xiidra while pregnant.
Symptoms of high blood pressure include severe headaches, nosebleeds, fatigue, vision problems, or confusion, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or irregular heartbeat.
Breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
Systemic exposure from ophthalmic solution is low however data is not available to determine if Xiidra is present in human milk and how it may affect breastfed infants. Consult with your doctor to determine if you should use Xiidra while breastfeeding.
Pediatric use
Studies have not been conducted on patients under 17 years of age to determine effectiveness and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.






