Xiidra
What Xiidra Is and How It Works
Xiidra is approved specifically for treating the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Dry eye disease is a chronic condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to inflammation on the surface of your eyes.
Our eye doctor may recommend Xiidra when you have ongoing symptoms such as burning, stinging, grittiness, or a feeling that something is in your eye. This medication addresses both the discomfort you feel and the visible signs of dry eye that we can see during your examination.
Xiidra contains a medication called lifitegrast, which blocks certain proteins that contribute to inflammation in dry eye disease. The inflammation happens when your immune system becomes overactive on the surface of your eye.
By reducing this inflammation, Xiidra helps improve tear production and protects the surface of your eye from damage. This approach treats the underlying cause of your symptoms rather than just temporarily moistening your eyes.
Artificial tears provide quick but temporary relief by adding moisture to your eyes. They wash away quickly and do not address the inflammation that drives chronic dry eye disease.
- Xiidra is used twice daily on a regular schedule, while artificial tears are used as needed throughout the day
- Xiidra treats the inflammatory cause of dry eye, while artificial tears only lubricate the eye surface
- Xiidra requires a prescription, while most artificial tears are available over the counter
- You can often use Xiidra alongside artificial tears for additional comfort
Signs You May Need Xiidra
During your appointment, we check for several symptoms that indicate dry eye disease. You may describe your eyes as feeling dry, scratchy, or tired, especially at the end of the day or after reading or screen time.
- Burning or stinging sensations in your eyes
- Redness or irritation that does not go away
- Sensitivity to light or wind
- Blurred vision that improves when you blink
- Excessive watering or tearing, which is your eyes trying to compensate for dryness
Some people are more likely to develop chronic dry eye disease. We consider your risk factors when deciding whether a prescription treatment like Xiidra is appropriate for you.
- Age over 50, especially for women going through menopause
- Autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus
- Long-term contact lens wear or previous eye surgery
- Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, or antidepressants that reduce tear production
- Environmental factors like dry climates, air conditioning, or prolonged screen use
We perform several tests during your comprehensive eye exam to confirm dry eye disease and measure its severity. These tests help us determine whether Xiidra or another treatment is right for you.
We may measure the volume and quality of your tears, examine the surface of your eye under magnification for signs of inflammation or damage, and evaluate how quickly your tears evaporate. Some tests use special dyes to highlight areas where your cornea may be affected by dryness.
We typically suggest Xiidra when you have moderate to severe dry eye symptoms that persist despite using over-the-counter treatments. If artificial tears, warm compresses, and lifestyle changes have not provided enough relief, a prescription medication may be the next step.
We also consider prescription treatment when we observe significant inflammation or damage to the surface of your eye during examination. Starting Xiidra early can help prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
What to Expect When Starting Xiidra
Proper technique helps ensure that Xiidra works effectively and reduces the risk of contamination. We will show you how to use the drops correctly, but here are the basic steps.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the eye drops
- Tilt your head back and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket
- Hold the bottle upside down and squeeze one drop into the pocket without touching the tip to your eye or eyelid
- Close your eye gently for a moment to allow the drop to spread across the surface
- Repeat with your other eye using a fresh drop
You will use Xiidra twice a day, about 12 hours apart. Most patients find it easiest to use the drops once in the morning and once in the evening.
Consistency is important for getting the best results. Try to use your drops at roughly the same times each day so it becomes part of your routine.
Some patients begin to feel relief within two weeks of starting Xiidra, but it may take up to 12 weeks to experience the full benefits. Everyone responds differently to treatment.
We encourage you to continue using Xiidra as prescribed even if you do not notice immediate improvement. It takes time for the medication to reduce inflammation and for your eyes to heal.
If you forget a dose of Xiidra, use it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Do not use two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. This will not improve results and may increase the chance of side effects.
Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Most side effects from Xiidra are mild and go away on their own as your eyes adjust to the medication. The most common side effect is a taste disturbance, where you may notice an unusual taste in your mouth after using the drops.
- Temporary irritation or discomfort when the drops go in
- Blurred vision that clears within a few minutes
- Unpleasant taste sensation
- Feeling like something is in your eye
Serious side effects from Xiidra are uncommon, but you should be aware of warning signs that require immediate attention. Contact our office right away if you develop signs of an allergic reaction or eye infection.
Symptoms such as severe eye pain, sudden vision changes, increasing redness, discharge, or swelling around your eyes should prompt an urgent call to our office. These could indicate a reaction to the medication or another problem that needs evaluation.
Xiidra is not suitable for everyone. We will review your medical history carefully before prescribing this medication to make sure it is safe for you.
- Children under 17 years old, as safety and effectiveness have not been established in this age group
- Anyone with a known allergy to lifitegrast or any ingredient in Xiidra
- Patients with active eye infections, which need to be treated before starting Xiidra
Xiidra has very few drug interactions because it works locally on the eye surface and very little enters your bloodstream. However, we still need to know about all medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements.
Tell us if you use any other eye drops or have any eye conditions besides dry eye. We will provide guidance on the proper timing if you need to use multiple eye medications.
The safety of Xiidra during pregnancy has not been thoroughly studied. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, let us know so we can discuss the potential risks and benefits.
We will help you weigh whether the benefits of treating your dry eye disease outweigh any potential risks. In many cases, there may be alternative treatments we can consider during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Call our office if you experience side effects that do not improve after the first few weeks of treatment or if new symptoms develop. We can help determine whether you should continue using Xiidra or try a different approach.
Reach out immediately if you have severe eye pain, vision loss, signs of infection, or symptoms of an allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. These situations require prompt medical attention.
Getting the Best Results from Xiidra
Proper storage helps keep Xiidra effective and safe to use. Store the bottles at room temperature, away from excessive heat or cold.
- Keep bottles in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Do not freeze Xiidra
- Keep the cap tightly closed when not in use
- Follow expiration dates and discard opened single-use vials promptly
You can usually continue using artificial tears and other dry eye treatments alongside Xiidra. Many patients find that combining treatments provides better relief than Xiidra alone.
If you use multiple eye drops, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between different medications to prevent one from washing out the other. Let us know about all eye products you use so we can coordinate your treatment plan.
While Xiidra treats the inflammation causing your dry eye, certain lifestyle changes can enhance your results and provide additional comfort. These self-care measures work together with your medication.
- Take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air
- Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from wind and sun
- Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
- Consider omega-3 supplements, which may support healthy tear production
We will schedule follow-up appointments to check how well Xiidra is working and whether your dry eye symptoms are improving. These visits typically occur a few weeks after you start treatment and then periodically as needed.
During follow-up visits, we will repeat some of the same tests we used to diagnose your dry eye to measure your progress objectively. We may adjust your treatment plan based on your response, and we will discuss any side effects or concerns you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coverage for Xiidra varies depending on your insurance plan. Many insurance companies cover Xiidra when it is medically necessary for treating dry eye disease, but some may require prior authorization or prefer that you try other treatments first. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs, and our office can help provide documentation if needed.
You should remove your contact lenses before using Xiidra and wait at least 15 minutes after instilling the drops before putting your lenses back in. Many people with dry eye disease find that contact lenses become more comfortable once their symptoms improve with treatment. We can discuss whether continuing to wear contacts is appropriate for your eyes as your condition improves.
Mild stinging or discomfort when you first use Xiidra is common and usually decreases as your eyes adjust to the medication. The sensation typically lasts only a minute or two after application. If the discomfort is severe or does not improve over the first few weeks, contact our office so we can evaluate whether this is a normal reaction or a sign that you need a different treatment.
Because dry eye disease is a chronic condition, stopping Xiidra may cause your symptoms to return. We generally recommend continuing treatment long-term to maintain the improvement you have experienced. If you want to try reducing or stopping the medication, talk to us first so we can create a plan to monitor your eyes and catch any worsening symptoms early.
As of 2025, there is no generic version of Xiidra available. Lifitegrast is the active ingredient, and Xiidra is currently the only brand that contains it. However, there are other prescription treatments for dry eye disease that work through different mechanisms, and we can discuss alternative options if cost is a concern or if Xiidra is not right for you.
Getting Help for Xiidra
If you have questions about Xiidra or think you might benefit from prescription dry eye treatment, reach out to our office to schedule an evaluation. We will perform a thorough examination, discuss your symptoms and treatment goals, and work with you to create a plan that brings you lasting relief from dry eye disease.