Eysuvis (loteprednol) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat dry eye disease symptoms. Eysuvis can cause side effects that range from mild to severe.

Eysuvis is used in adults as a short-term treatment to reduce dry eye disease symptoms.

The active ingredient in Eysuvis is loteprednol. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Eysuvis comes as a liquid suspension eye drop.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Eysuvis can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its use, see this in-depth article.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Eysuvis treatment.

The most commonly reported side effect in studies of Eysuvis was eye pain when using the drug.*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Mild side effects have been reported with Eysuvis. These include:

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Eysuvis. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop using Eysuvis unless your doctor recommends it.

Eysuvis may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Eysuvis, visit MedWatch.

In rare cases, Eysuvis may cause serious side effects. Serious side effects that have been reported with Eysuvis include:

  • cataracts, which are cloudy patches in the clear eye lens
  • increased eye pressure*
  • slowed wound healing and thinning or tearing of the outer layer of the eye*
  • severe allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Eysuvis. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

If you develop serious side effects while using Eysuvis, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about side effects of Eysuvis.

Could I develop long-term side effects from Eysuvis treatment?

Yes. In rare cases, Eysuvis may cause long-term side effects that continue after stopping treatment.

For example, using Eysuvis may increase the risk of cataracts. These are cloudy patches in the clear eye lens that can affect your ability to see clearly. If you have cataracts from using Eysuvis, you may need surgery to have them removed.

Eysuvis may also increase your risk of glaucoma, a condition involving high pressure inside your eye. If untreated, glaucoma can lead to serious complications, including vision loss. If you develop glaucoma while using Eysuvis, your doctor may prescribe different eye drops to lower your eye pressure. In many cases, these eye drops are used long term.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about long-term side effects with Eysuvis.

Will using Eysuvis long term increase my risk of side effects?

Yes, it’s possible. Because of this risk, Eysuvis is usually only prescribed for short-term use.

Eysuvis is a corticosteroid eye drop. Corticosteroid drugs help treat inflammation (swelling and damage). Using corticosteroid eye drops for long periods can increase your risk of certain side effects. These include thinning or tearing of the outer layer of the eye and eye infections. (For more information about these side effects, see the “Side effects explained” section below.)

Due to this risk, it’s recommended that you use Eysuvis for no longer than 2 weeks. Talk with your doctor if you think you might need to use Eysuvis longer than 2 weeks. They’ll likely check your eyes for signs of infection or damage to the outer layer before prescribing refills.

For information about Eysuvis and dosage, see this article. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Learn more about some of the side effects Eysuvis may cause.

Slowed wound healing and thinning or tearing of the outer layer of the eye

Corticosteroid eye drops,* including Eysuvis, can cause thinning or tearing of the outer layer of the eye. This kind of eye drop can also slow down the eye’s healing process.

Symptoms of thinning or tearing of your eye include:

* Corticosteroid drugs help treat inflammation (swelling and damage).

What might help

Before prescribing Eysuvis or approving refills, your doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes for signs of thinning or damage. They’ll only prescribe this medication if they determine it’s safe for you to use.

If you have symptoms of thinning or tearing in your eye while using Eysuvis, tell your doctor right away. They’ll have you stop using this eye drop and treat any damage to your eye.

Eye infection

Using Eysuvis may increase your risk of eye infections. This is because corticosteroid drugs, such as Eysuvis, can affect your body’s ability to fight infections.

You may develop bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the eye while using Eysuvis. The drug can also cause previous eye infections to come back. If you already have an eye infection, this medication may worsen it.

Symptoms of eye infection can include:

What might help

Contact your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an eye infection. They’ll likely have you stop using Eysuvis. If they determine that you have an eye infection, they’ll prescribe medication to treat it before you resume using Eysuvis.

To lower your risk of having an eye infection while using Eysuvis, be sure to wash your hands well before each dose. Avoid letting the tip of the Eysuvis bottle touch any surface or your fingers. And promptly replace the bottle cap after each dose.

If you have concerns about eye infections while using Eysuvis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Eye pain when using Eysuvis

In studies of Eysuvis, eye pain when putting Eysuvis drops in the eyes was the most commonly reported side effect. This side effect is usually mild and temporary.

What might help

If you have severe or very bothersome eye pain while using Eysuvis, let your doctor know. They may recommend options for reducing this side effect, such as a corticosteroid that’s less strong.

If your eye pain continues or is severe, your doctor may have you stop using Eysuvis. They’ll likely recommend a different treatment option for you.

Increased eye pressure

Long-term use of corticosteroid eye drops, including Eysuvis, can increase eye pressure. This may increase the risk of developing an eye condition called glaucoma. If untreated, glaucoma can cause damage to your optic nerve. This could lead to serious complications, including vision loss.

Mild or early glaucoma often doesn’t cause symptoms. Symptoms of severe glaucoma include:

What might help

If you have symptoms of severe glaucoma, seek emergency medical attention. Treating glaucoma quickly helps prevent vision loss.

Before you start using Eysuvis, tell your doctor about your health history and any medications you take. If you already have glaucoma or use medication that can increase your eye pressure, your doctor may not prescribe Eysuvis. They’ll recommend a different treatment for your dry eye.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Eysuvis can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

  • an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Eysuvis, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Eysuvis, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Eysuvis treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how it affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Eysuvis affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Eysuvis may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether Eysuvis is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Eysuvis. The list below includes factors to consider.

Slowed wound healing and thinning or tearing of the outer layer of the eye. If you have eye damage, your doctor will likely not prescribe Eysuvis until your eye or eyes have healed. Corticosteroid eye drops,* including Eysuvis, can cause thinning or tearing of the outer layer of the eye. Eysuvis can also slow down your eye’s ability to heal wounds. Due to this risk, your doctor will carefully examine your eyes for signs of damage before prescribing this medication.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Eysuvis or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Eysuvis. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Eye infection. Eysuvis may increase your risk of eye infections. If you already have an eye infection, this medication may worsen it. Let your doctor know if you have an eye infection before starting Eysuvis treatment. They’ll likely treat your infection before you start using the drug.

Glaucoma. Eysuvis can increase the pressure inside your eye, which may increase your risk of glaucoma. In people who already have this condition, using Eysuvis can worsen this condition. Before prescribing or authorizing refills for this medication, your doctor will likely check your eye pressure. If you have glaucoma, your doctor will likely monitor your eye pressure more often during Eysuvis treatment.

Cataracts. Corticosteroid eye drops such as Eysuvis may increase your risk of developing cataracts. If you already have cataracts, Eysuvis may worsen this condition. Talk with your doctor about any vision problems you have before you start using Eysuvis. They’ll recommend a different treatment option for you if they determine Eysuvis is not safe for you to use.

* Corticosteroid drugs help treat inflammation (swelling and damage).

Alcohol and Eysuvis

There are no known interactions between alcohol and Eysuvis.

If you drink alcohol and have questions about consuming alcohol while using Eysuvis, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using Eysuvis

It’s not known whether it’s safe to use Eysuvis during pregnancy. There aren’t studies of the drug during pregnancy.

If you have questions about using Eysuvis while pregnant, talk with your doctor. They’ll recommend safe treatment options for you during this time.

It’s not known whether Eysuvis passes into breast milk or the effects it would have on a child who is breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor. They’ll recommend safe ways for you to feed your child during Eysuvis treatment.

Many common side effects of Eysuvis are mild and go away on their own. But in rare cases, Eysuvis may cause serious side effects that require medical attention. Knowing what side effects this medication may cause can help you to manage them if they occur.

If you have questions about side effects that Eysuvis can cause, talk with your doctor. Examples of questions to help you get started include:

  • Is my risk of eye pain higher when I begin Eysuvis treatment?
  • How do the side effects of Eysuvis compare with the side effects of Restasis (cyclosporine)?
  • Am I at higher risk of developing glaucoma from Eysuvis if I have high blood pressure?

To learn more about Eysuvis, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.