Why is Restasis a hazardous drug? Clarifying Risks for Patients and Handlers
•
3 min read
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) officially classifies cyclosporine as a hazardous drug, leading to confusion for those prescribed Restasis, the ophthalmic emulsion containing cyclosporine. While the systemic form of the medication carries significant health risks, the ophthalmic version, Restasis, poses minimal systemic risk to the patient when used correctly. The 'hazardous' label primarily applies to the raw drug substance and its handling in a healthcare setting, not to the patient's routine eye drop application.
