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Restasis and Breastfeeding
No research has been done to determine if Restasis would pass through human breast milk. However, because it is an eye drop (and very little medicine actually reaches the bloodstream), it is probably unlikely that Restasis would be passed through breast milk in high enough amounts to cause problems. However, consult your doctor if you are thinking of breastfeeding while using Restasis.
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Restasis® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) is a prescription medication used to treat chronic dry eyes. While very little, if any, of the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream from the eye, it is unknown if Restasis passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding a child, you should talk with your healthcare provider about using this eye medication.
No research has been done to see if Restasis passes through breast milk. The active ingredient in Restasis, cyclosporine, is known to pass through breast milk when taken orally. However, Restasis comes in the form of an eye drop, and very little of the medication reaches the bloodstream after normal use.
Therefore, it is unlikely that the drug would reach the breast milk and be passed to a breastfeeding infant. However, because Restasis has never been studied in breastfeeding women, potential problems cannot yet be ruled out.
To reduce the amount of the medication that enters the bloodstream and potentially the breast milk, place pressure over your tear duct (located in the corner of your eye) for at least one minute after using Restasis. Then gently wipe away any extra medication with a tissue.
You should discuss breastfeeding and Restasis use with your healthcare provider. Each woman's situation is different, and you and your healthcare provider understand your situation best. After considering what you want and expect, as well as your current health situation, the two of you can make a shared decision that is right for you.
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD