Lifitegrast belongs to the class of medications called anti-inflammatory agents. Specifically, it is a lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist. It is used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Although the exact way that lifitegrast works is unclear, it appears to prevent the production of certain chemicals in the eye that lead to inflammation and dry eyes.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended dose of lifitegrast eye drops is 1 drop in each eye 2 times a day, approximately 12 hours apart.

To prevent contamination of the eye drops, the solution is packaged in single-use containers. Wash your hands thoroughly and open the container immediately before using the drops. A single container can be used to instill a drop in each eye. Avoid touching the tip of the container to the eye or eye lashes to prevent injury or eye infection.

To instill the drops:

• Tilt your head back and gently pull your lower lid down.
• Carefully squeeze out 1 or 2 drops into each eye while looking up toward your forehead.
• Close your eyes gently for a few moments.

After using the drops, discard any solution that remains in the container and wash your hands again.

If you are not sure how to use the drops, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Keep the single-use containers in their original foil pouch until you are ready to use one. Single-use containers should be discarded immediately after use.

Each 0.2 mL of preservative-free, clear, colourless-to-slightly-yellowish solution in a single-use container, contains 10 mg of lifitegrast. Nonmedicinal ingredients: sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH), sodium phosphate dibasic anhydrous, sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate, and water for injection.

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to lifitegrast or any ingredients of the medication.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• blurred vision
• eye irritation or pain when putting the drops in the eye
• headache
• increased tears
• itchy eyes
• red eyes
• sensitivity to light
• unpleasant taste

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Blurred vision: Lifitegrast can cause your vision to blur temporarily. If you experience blurred vision, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any potentially hazardous activities until your vision clears.

Contact lenses: Remove your contact lenses before using lifitegrast eye drops and wait for at least 15 minutes after using the drops to put the contact lenses back in your eyes.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if lifitegrast passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.