Xiidra vs Restasis
A side-by-side look at two eye health medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| US Xiidra | US Restasis | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | lifitegrast | cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion |
| Drug class | LFA-1 Antagonist (Eye Drop) | Calcineurin Inhibitor (Eye Drop) |
| Treats | Dry eye disease | Chronic dry eye |
| Category | Eye Health | Eye Health |
| Manufacturer | Bausch + Lomb | AbbVie (Allergan) |
| Year approved | 2016 | 2003 |
| FDA warning | No boxed warning | No boxed warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $150M | $100M |
| Common side effects | Eye irritation, Unusual taste, Blurred vision, Eye discomfort on application | Burning sensation, Eye redness, Watery eyes, Blurred vision |
Frequently asked questions
Is Xiidra or Restasis better?
Neither is universally "better." Xiidra (lifitegrast) and Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) are both used for eye health, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Xiidra and Restasis?
Xiidra is a LFA-1 Antagonist (Eye Drop) made by Bausch + Lomb, while Restasis is a Calcineurin Inhibitor (Eye Drop) made by AbbVie (Allergan). See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Xiidra has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.