(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first medication in a new class of medications for the treatment of dry eye disease.
That medication is Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution). It has been approved to treat signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in adults.
Xiidra is available as eyedrops. The recommended dose is one drop in each eye twice a day.
Dry eye disease entails a group of conditions in which the tears are not the correct consistency or the eyes do not produce enough tears. Dry eye disease risk increases with age. In fact, 10 to 15 percent of adults over the age of 65 will be affected by dry eye disease, according to the FDA. Women are also more likely than men to develop dry eye disease.
Dry eyes can be bothersome — patients may have difficulty reading or using a computer for a long period of time. If dry eye disease is not treated, it can cause pain and even scars on the cornea (a part of the eye).
Shire's Xiidra received approval after being shown to improve eye dryness in clinical trials.
Common side effects of Xiidra may include eye irritation, eye discomfort and an unusual taste sensation. This medication may also cause blurred vision. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
