Is cyclosporine the same as restasis?

Are cyclosporine and Restasis the same thing?

No. Cyclosporine is the active drug substance, while Restasis is a specific brand-name medicine that contains cyclosporine.

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is used for dry eye disease, and the “cyclosporine” name refers to the ingredient inside that eye medicine. Cyclosporine can also be found in other formulations and products, not only Restasis.

Is cyclosporine a generic for Restasis?

Restasis is a brand. Medicines described as “cyclosporine ophthalmic” are the cyclosporine eye drops that are closely related to Restasis, but the exact product (brand vs. generic, formulation, concentration, and dosing instructions) can differ.

What does “cyclosporine” mean for dry eye treatments?

When prescribed for dry eye, “cyclosporine ophthalmic” indicates cyclosporine given as eye drops to help treat inflammation linked to dry eye disease—this is the same general drug approach used by Restasis.

If you tell me the exact label or concentration you have (for example, the mg/mL or the product name on the bottle), I can help you verify whether it matches Restasis or a different cyclosporine eye formulation.