The Ultimate Restasis Comparison: Xiidra vs Vevye vs Miebo

First Things First: What Is Restasis?

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) has been a widely recognized dry eye treatment since its approval in 2002.

For two decades, patients with dry eyes have turned to it for reliable, long-term relief.

How Does Restasis Work?

Restasis works by reducing ocular inflammation.

Its main active ingredient, cyclosporine, attacks this root cause of DED by:

Restasis, importantly, is not a quick fix. It won’t necessarily provide immediate relief. To get that, you’ll need to use an additional or alternative treatment.

However, for long-term inflammation reduction, Restasis is extremely effective.

One clinical study demonstrated that its use improved visual acuity in qualified patients who took it regularly.

Restasis Dosage and Usage

Generally, patients take one drop of Restasis in each eye twice daily — so, four drops total per day. Ideally, these drops will be spaced 12 hours apart.

Restasis can be found in single-use vials, which are convenient for ultra-hygienic, very precise doses, or multi-use bottles for more regular use.

Restasis: Efficacy and Side Effects

Clinical trials with Restasis demonstrate that up to 15% of DED patients experienced increased tear production while taking Restasis, as compared to a placebo.

These improvements occurred noticeably after 3-6 months of consistent use.

Not every patient responds to Restasis, but it’s effective enough that many healthcare providers consider it a first-line treatment for inflammation-driven dry eye.

Does Restasis Have Any Side Effects?

All medications come with side effects. Restasis is no exception.

The most frequently reported side effects associated with Restasis include:

If any of these side effects become severe or do not subside shortly after application, talk to your doctor for strategies surrounding mitigation, or to see if you need to switch to another medication.

Restasis Accessibility: How Much Does It Cost?

In the United States, a 60-count set of single-use vials of Restasis can retail for as much as $700.00 per month, or about $11.60 per vial.

That’s enough to crush the healthcare budgets of many Americans.

If you seek an alternative, through NorthWestPharmacy.com you can find it. Here, we offer:

Is There a Generic Version of Restasis?

Yes, there is a generic version of Restasis. It was approved and then started to become available in 2021. This offered patients a slightly more affordable version of the medication and, through direct competition, lowered the price of brand-name Restasis, too.

The two versions of the drug are therapeutically equivalent. There should be no substantive difference between the two.

However, it is very possible to have a reaction to a smaller, filler ingredient in one but not the other.

Talk to your doctor to determine which version of the drug is best for you and your needs.

Comparing Restasis and Xiidra: Which Is Better for Dry Eye?

Restasis is a very popular choice for treating DED, but it’s not the only medication worth exploring.

For example, there’s also Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%), another type of prescription eye drop that can reduce the symptoms associated with inflammation-caused dry eye.

What Is Xiidra?

Xiidra arrived on the scene relatively recently, with approval in 2016.

While Restasis primarily targets inflammation in the tear glands, Xiidra works to block inflammation by reducing T-cell activity.

This may be a more direct method of reducing the pain and irritation of DED, which can make it a faster way to find relief for some patients.

How Does Xiidra Work?

The main active ingredient in Xiidra, lifitegrast, binds to immune system proteins that contribute to inflammation. By binding, it helps prevent T-cells (major players in the immune system) from triggering inflammation.

Less inflammation leads to more stable tear production—and, thereby, improved overall eye comfort.

Which Is More Efficient? Xiidra vs. Restasis

It’s less a question of which is more efficient, and more a question of which is best for you; they each have pros and cons.

Here’s how the two compare:

This can make Restasis a better option for people who have mild to moderate DED and feel they can wait a bit longer for very effective treatment, and Xiidra a good match for those who don’t want to wait any longer than necessary before feeling better.

Side Effects: How Do Xiidra and Restasis Compare?

Both Xiidra and Restasis can cause some side effects.

Much like Restasis, Xiidra can cause:

Unlike Restasis, sometimes, Xiidra use is associated with something called ‘dysgeusia’ – an unusual taste sensation in the mouth. (You might simply feel that your mouth feels strange.)

This, like Xiidra’s other mild side effects, should be temporary.

Cost Comparison: Xiidra vs. Restasis

In the United States, a 60-count supply of Xiidra can cost around $730.00, or approximately $12.00 per dose.

Looking for savings? You’ve found them.

Through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy one box of 60 doses of brand-name Xiidra for just about $300.00 – and up to 58% in savings.

Exploring Vevye as a Restasis Alternative

If patients are seeking an alternative to both Xiidra and Restasis, as it turns out, there are other options.

Vevye (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) contains cyclosporine — like Restasis — but it’s formulated differently.

For many, this different formulation results in higher efficacy and reduced side effects.

What Is Vevye?

Vevye is a water-free ophthalmic solution. It’s designed to treat chronic, inflammatory DED. Its differentiator is its formulation, which includes a unique semifluorinated alkane base.

That’s a lot of jargon that boils down to this: For most, Vevye offers enhanced tolerability, and consistent delivery of the active ingredient to where it matters most.

Here’s Exactly How Vevye Works

Vevye targets ocular inflammation by helping tear glands do their job better—producing both more and more stable tears. This increases eye comfort and maintains a healthy tear film.

Efficacy: How Does Vevye Compare to Restasis?

We’ve already discussed two powerful dry eye treatments in this piece.

How does Vevye stack up?

Here’s a quick rundown of its key benefits:

Side Effects of Vevye

The side effects Vevye may cause tend to be milder and less frequent than those associated with Restasis.

Vevye’s side effect list includes:

These side effects should go away with time. If they do not or if they become severe, talk to your doctor to learn more about your options.

Cost Comparison: Vevye vs. Restasis

Buying Vevye in the United States, through a typical brick-and-mortar pharmacy, can cost around $830 for a 2mL bottle (containing about 40 drops total).

It’s effective, but it’s one of the more expensive options, especially when you remember you can buy Restasis through NorthWestPharmacy.com for around $3.00 per vial.

Vevye’s current lack of a generic equivalent makes it difficult to bring down its price.

If, though, you’re a patient in need of comfort and low side effects, you might find that the high price tag is worth it.

Miebo: A New Contender in Dry Eye Treatment

Looking for even more options?

There’s an even more newly-approved drug to consider. Miebo, approved since 2023, offers dry eye patients a new way to approach DED management: Reducing tear evaporation.

What Is Miebo?

Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution) is a type of medication formulated to treat DED. Specifically, it can help treat a type of DED associated with meibomian gland dysfunction—dysfunction that causes tear evaporation.

Miebo combats tear evaporation by creating a protective layer on the eye’s surface.

This protective layer stabilizes tear film, slows tear evaporation, and thereby helps keep eyes hydrated for longer.

Miebo vs. Restasis: A Quick Comparison

Miebo works a little differently – which means it can be an option for patients who don’t see reliable results when working with Restasis (or Vevye, or Xiidra).

As far as efficacy and ideal patients go for each of these medications, here’s a quick rundown:

Miebo vs. Restasis: Side Effects

Miebo does cause a few side effects, some of which it shares with Restasis.

Sometimes, patients may experience the following after getting started with Miebo:

These should all go away very shortly after administration.

Restasis can cause some of these side effects, but tends to be associated more with a stinging sensation during use (which should also go away with time).

Cost Comparison: How Affordable Is Miebo?

In the United States, you can purchase 3mL of brand-name Miebo for around $830.00.

While your mileage may vary, typically, you can get 60 drops out of 3mL — which means that each dose of Miebo may cost upwards of $13.00.

Ready to Save Big on Your Dry Eye Medications?

Interested in finding affordable, high-quality treatments for dry eye disease?

You’re in the right place. Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can research and buy brand-name DED treatments from Restasis to Xiidra and beyond.

And, since we offer reliably low prices and convenient shipping, you can do so while saving money—and from the comfort of your own home.

Have any questions about what we can do for you? Whether you’re interested in learning more about our ordering processes or simply want to chat with a licensed pharmacist about the safety of your prescription, we’re here to help.

Browse our website further to explore your options and take the first step toward better eye health. Our knowledgeable, friendly team is looking forward to supporting you!