Xiidra ™ (Lifitegrast Ophthalmic Solution ) 5%

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution ) 5% is a topical, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory prescribed to treat signs and symptoms of Dry Eye. It was approved by the FDA on July 11, 2016 and is available only via prescription. It is in a new class of drugs called lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) antagonist.

The correct pronunciation is “z-eye-drah.”

Read our blog post about this medication.

In clinical trials, up to 25% of patients experienced irritation from the drop.

1% to 5% of patients reported other side effects including, “blurred vision, conjunctival hyperemia, eye irritation, headache, increased lacrimation, eye discharge, eye discomfort, eye pruritus and sinusitis.”

It is not known exactly how Xiidra works. According to its manufacturer, Shire,  “the exact mechanism of action of lifitegrast in dry eye disease is not known.”