Good news for us dry eye sufferers who live in Canada.
I had been trying to get an approval thru Health Canada for Restasis. In the end, I decided to just pick up the phone and call the Health Canada - Special Access Programme myself as my Opthamologist's office seemed to have difficulty in getting my request approved.
The Health Canada official told me this very morning that Health Canada has just approved Restasis for use in Canada as a prescription drug and that it should be available as soon as Allergan (the company that produces it) has a supply available and distributed. Health Canada is not approving any more Special Access Programme requests for this drug as a result. (Which is why I couldn't get my application thru). I've also put a call into Allergan to see if I can get some detailed info on when the exact date would be. The next step though is seeing when the Canadian Insurance companies will put this drug on their approved list to help reduce the out of pocket costs for those of us who have drug plans.
Great news, Daisy. Restasis has helped me with my dry eyes and I hope it will prove to be helpful to you as well.
Anna
Just got a call back from Allergan. Restasis is supposed to become available at the pharmacy as of October 1st, 2010.
Thanks for this information Daisy! I will be asking about this at my next appointment.
YYC_Mommy:
I would also ask my opthamologist the next time you go in to get you a free sample of Restasis so you can try it out for free first.
Daisy
Thats great news Daisy.
It has worked so great for me too, I will probably never stop using it as I want to keep the inflammation away forever!
A couple things to remember though. It can take quite a while to start working, between 1 and 3 months so have patience. My opthoamologist explained is as dry eyes produce cells called t-cells which in turn produce the cytoken cells in your eyes today causing you grief, inflammation and reduced tears. These cells are 1-3 months old. The restasis inhibits the activation of t-cells. The same is true when people stop using it and say they are fine. But then a few months down the road they are miserable again. I may have butchered that up some :) but you get the picture.
Also, if your eyes have much damage it will sting at first which stinks because it takes so long to work and it stings to boot. Once your eyes are recovering the restasis will no longer sting.
Cindi
I neglected to mention that later this PM I phoned my Opthamologist's office to tell them the news. The office manager said that this was very welcome news but they never expected to be notified that Restasis was available thru one of their patients! They are looking into ordering me some free samples as soon as they are available so that I can try this out for myself. I have 0 tear production in both eyes on the Schrimers and about 5 years ago I had inferior punctual occlusions done, but recently both occlusions have just opened up again on their own. It almost like someone is trying to get all of the stars aligned so I can try restasis out!
Thanks CM for the tips. I had also heard that for those with extremely dry eyes like myself, it is helpful to put some OTC drops in the eye about 15 minutes before using the restasis to reduce the amount of stinging.
Don't get too excited yet, it doesn't work for everyone, but I would love to know what it cost in Canada.
Hey Daisy
I wanted to mention you might want to have your occlusions re-done. Its actually a combination of therapies that will be most beneficial to your very dry eyes. Either the plugs or the occlusions in combination with the restasis will hopefully bring the most relief. Of course you need the drops during the day too and if you're like me a small amount of ointment at night too.
Cindi
Hi Daisy,
Thanks that the great news for us Canucks! I will ask my Opthamologist for a sample and prescription when I see him in November.
Quote from: Daisy1234 on September 14, 2010, 11:08:37 AM
YYC_Mommy:
I would also ask my opthamologist the next time you go in to get you a free sample of Restasis so you can try it out for free first.
Daisy
Great idea Daisy, I will do that! I have it on my to do list to call and make an appointment. Thanks again for sharing this news with us.
Thanks Daisy....... keep us posted!
Maria