Cyclosporine a prescription immunosuppressant drug made from a rare type of fungus called Tolypocladium inflatum.

The drug was discovered in 1971. The drug was discovered in 1971 but it wasn’t until 1976 that scientists realised it was an immunosuppressant. An immunosuppressant helps to turn off the body’s natural defence systems. Some ailments like psoriasis and conditions such as organs transplants make the body’s immune system attack itself. Cyclosporine helps the body not to attack itself and thus speed healing.

In early 2009, studies came out showing that cyclosporine in the form of eye drops helped people with chronic, painful dry eyes by increasing the body’s ability to make tears. These patients had undergone other means of treatment without help, such as using over the counter eye lubricants or anti-inflammatory eye drops.

Cyclosporine eye drops are marketed under the brand name Restasis. The amount of actual cyclosporine in the drops is quite small – 0.05%. Still, patients may feel an unpleasant burning sensation in the eyes. If the burning becomes unbearable, they eyes need to be rinsed with water and a call made to the doctor.

Because of its powers to suppress the immune system, anyone taking cyclosporine eye drops needs to be under a doctor’s care. The body will not be able to protect itself from some diseases like the flu, so using cyclosporine eye drops or stopping their use will be up to a doctor.

The makers of Restasis, Allergan, urge pregnant or breastfeeding women to not take cyclosporine eye drops because they haven’t do not know if it will cause any harmful side effects to the baby.

There is also a cyclosporine eye treatment (brand name Optimune) that has been approved by the FDA for use of dry eye in dogs. This has 0.2% cyclosporine. Please do not give human cyclosporine eye drops to dogs. Only use cyclosporine eye drops prescribed by a veterinarian.