A weekly series identifying prescription drugs manufactured in America and their prices.
Restasis (Cyclosporine) is a popular medication used to increase tear production in patients with decreased natural ability to do so, possibly due to Chronic Dry Eye. Restasis is manufactured in the USA by Allergan Inc, and imported and marketed abroad by Allergan India Pvt. Ltd.
The cost for a 60-day supply of Restasis is $394 from a local U.S. pharmacy. From a PharmacyChecker.com verified online pharmacy, the same quantity costs $116. That’s a 71% savings, which adds up to $1,668 over an entire year.
Check back next week for the savings on another American drug available abroad.
Where exactly is Restasis made in the US?
Can you supply a street address?
From the National Institute of Health, you can see the label of the brand name drug reads “Made in the U.S.A.” but there is no address: http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/static/8e24af2b-bc1c-4849-94f2-6df950cdca89/current/carton.jpg.
I just checked with canadiandrugpharmacy.com today. The price for 90 vials is $306, much cheaper than in the USA. The Brand Name is Restasis. The manufacturer is Allergan but the eyedrops sold by Canadian Drug Pharmacy are manufactured in India not the USA.
9/2/16
Restasis is made by Allergan, which is based in the U.S. Few people know that the original patent on Restasis expired in 2014, and thus it would have been available in its generic version. There is a generic, it is sold in Europe, and it is the very same ingredients that are in Restasis. Restasis is Cyclosporine emulsion. There is no other thing: it is Cyclosporine Emulsion and Allergan dubs that “Restasis.”
The FDA is the agency that allowed Allergan to extend its patent. This is what people in the U.S. should be protesting — the extension of the patent. For God’s sake, Allergan more than made its money back on Restasis. This is pure greed.
If people protested the FDA’s patent extension, the price would definitely be far more affordable. This eye drop would go the way of other pricey medications that became cheap once the patent expired and other makers made them.
Right now, the cyclosporine is not that much less expensive on Canadian online pharmacies, because they want to make a buck. The actual Cyclosporine is not a pricey product. I bought a three months’ supply three years ago, and the price was very reasonable and included shipping. It came from Turkey and it worked just fine. Countries are able to get this medicine for much cheaper than Allergan is willing to sell it in the U.S. It is that way because people do not protest. If the FDA got pressure from the public, I mean pressure like what those companies that make the Epi-pen got, this eye drop would be much cheaper right here.
Cyclosporine capsules 100 mg # 30 for dogs costs $78.49.
$78.49/3,000 mg = $0.026/mg
Restasis 60ml (60x1ml) 0.05% Cyclosporine 0.05%
60ml x 0.0005 = 0.03 mg
Yes, only 0.03 mg in a month’s supply for $500.
$ 0.026/mg X 0.03 mg = $0.006
The cyclosporine in a month’s supply, if humans were charged the same as dogs for the active ingredient.
Even if you don’t need or use Restasis, your tax dollars pay for those receiving government assistance.
Outrageous.
Just call your vet and get dry eye medicine for your old dog.
Very informative and I agree 100%!
Have inquired by phone to several pharmacy checker approved pharmacies. That $116 price is only for the drops that come from india via turkey/ singapore. If you want the drops from the USA or canada they are significantly more. For example, I need 180 vials. The one from India via Turkey/ Singapore is $284, and if I request from Canada th best price I found was $709, and usa was approx $900. Still cheaper than local which is $1400. Are they all made in USA? Even the ones that come from India via Turkey/Singapore? What concerns me is, authenticity, after changing hands so much.
Susie –
Yes, prices are much higher for that product in the U.S. and even in Canada compared to Turkey and most other countries. I’m not sure if the brand product is only made in the U.S. but it may very well be. You can ask the online pharmacy to tell you: “Is the drug priced at $284 the one that is made in the U.S.A.?” Unlike a pill bottle, the package will actually say where the product was made.
Gabe
My opthamalogist said to recap the vial. Just be sure to not touch eye. I put it upright in a small pill bottle w tissue underneath to make it high enough to pull out. One vial lasts for 5-6 instillations (2-3 days).
Have been using Restasis for about 8 years now (2 drops a day).
1 small vial lasts me 2/3 days I put as many vials as I can into a 3ounce paper cup with the open vial nestled a little higher. We have to be inventive to win over the Drug Co’s.
Hi Marcel
Did your doctor Tell you any restriction using restasis for this long period of time?
Should we stop using áfter some time?
lz_pimentel@hotmail.com
TKS in advánce
Luiz Pimentel
Is there any difference in the Restasis made in India from that made in the USA. I have just ordered 90 days through the online Canadian pharmacy but it is from India. Do I have any reason to be concerned?
Hi Deborah– As long as it is through a pharmacy verified by the PharmacyChecker Verification Program, there is no reason to worry. https://www.pharmacychecker.com/online-pharmacy-ratings.asp
I am very concerned about any medication made outside the USA as several people died from contaminated blood thinners from China
Hi Ruth– That’s understandable. Pharmacies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore, Turkey, or the UK may be eligible to participate in the PharmacyChecker Verification Program. Pharmacies in certain countries, including India, Mauritius, Singapore and Turkey, are subject to an onsite inspection. View a sample list of pharmacies: https://www.pharmacychecker.com/online-pharmacy-ratings/
If you have any insurance coverage you can also use the $300 off printable coupon available at Restasis.com. I got my 90 days supply of vails for $211. I am little nervous about overseas meds. Thanks
How long before it works??? I need cataract surgery
Hi Sharon, Please consult your doctor.
My vet has used it for over 40 years, and my cat uses it, cheap….It is a $ game……..and I do reuse my vials also……we have to. If you have other meds. that are expensive you are not able to make ends meet.
I live in Mexico half the year. Do you know how much Restasis costs in MX?
jayninecurtis@gmail.com
I am wondering if anyone has purchased restasis in Mexico? How do you know if the pharmacy is approved? And what are the costs there?