Verkazia (cyclosporine)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Cyclosporine is a systemic immunosuppressive agent that appears to act as a partial immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory effects after ophthalmic administration.
Cyclosporine exhibits immunosuppressive activity when administered systemically. Although the exact mechanism of action of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion has not been fully elucidated, the drug is thought to act as a partial immunomodulator with anti-inflammatory effects when administered topically to the eye.
Chronic dry eye disease (e.g., keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is thought to result from an underlying cytokine- (released from T cells) and receptor-mediated inflammatory process that affects the lacrimal gland acini and ducts, resulting in tear film abnormalities and disruptions in ocular surface homeostasis. Topical application of cyclosporine to the eye reduces cell-mediated inflammatory responses associated with inflammatory ocular surface diseases.
Following topical application to the eye of cyclosporine 0.05% emulsion twice daily for up to 12 months, blood concentrations of the drug were determined using a specific high-pressure liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric assay and found to be below the level of quantitation (0.1 ng/mL) in all samples collected. There was no evidence that cyclosporine accumulated in blood following repeated ophthalmic administration over a period of 12 months.
USES: Cyclosporine eye drops are used to treat a certain serious allergic eye condition (vernal keratoconjunctivitis). It works by decreasing inflammation (swelling) in certain parts of your eyes, including the clear layer at the front of the eye (cornea), and the thin membrane covering the eye (conjunctiva). Treatment can help prevent eye damage (such as ulcers).
Generic name: cyclosporine
Pronunciation: (SYE-kloe-SPOR-in)
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Verkazia
Indications
The following indications are listed for Verkazia:
- Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
For topical ophthalmic use only. Not for injection. Not for subconjunctival injection or introduction directly into the anterior chamber.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
No formal drug interaction studies involving cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion have been performed.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
There are no severe interactions for this drug.
There are no moderate interactions for this drug.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or any ingredient in the formulation. Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion also is contraindicated in patients with active ocular infections.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.
Adverse reactions
The most common adverse effect of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion is ocular burning, which occurred in approximately 17% of patients who received the drug in clinical trials. Other adverse effects occurring in 1-5% of patients receiving cyclosporine included conjunctival hyperemia, discharge, epiphora, ocular pain, foreign body sensation, pruritus, stinging, and visual disturbance (e.g., blurring). In clinical trials, no increase in bacterial or fungal ocular infections was reported following administration of cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion.
There are no severe adverse reactions for this drug.
There are no less severe adverse reactions for this drug.
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 16 years of age.
Category C. (See Users Guide.)
It is not known whether cyclosporine is distributed into milk following topical application to the eye; however, cyclosporine is distributed into milk following systemic administration. Although blood cyclosporine concentrations are undetectable after ophthalmic administration of cyclosporine 0.05% emulsion, caution is advised if cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion is administered in nursing women.
No substantial differences in safety and efficacy relative to younger adults.
ICD codes
No ICD codes are available for this drug.
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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