TYRVAYA: new dry eye treatment

[Sharon]

Has anyone tried TYRVAYA?
It's the newest dry eye treatment and administered through a nasal spray that stimulates the trigeminal nerve in the nose to stimulate all 3 layers of the tear film. Seems promising! 
Prescription only.
Here is a video explaining how it works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pjzw7BNGmA

[Maria3667]

Hi Sharon,

No, but I've read about it. Wondering how effective it will be though, as the active compound (varenicline) in the tablets can aggravate mouth dryness. Maybe the spray is different as a lower amount is used and it's delivered via a different system.

Varenicline tablets (also known as Chantix) are already on the market as a smoking cessation aid.

[Sharon]

Hi Maria,
This nasal spray supposedly works entirely differently than Chantix tablets (which will not help your eyes) and cannot be compared to it as it actually stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system specifically through the administration of spraying onto the trigeminal nasal nerve. Some users in Facebook dry eye support groups are reporting that Tyrvaya is increasing their saliva production as well as tears.
Anything that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system targets the very pathways that are damaged by Sjogren's.

[SjoGirl]

Thanks for sharing. I wonder if or how well it would work for those who have reduced tear film. That is my situation.

[Maria3667]

Hi Sharon,

Thank you for relaying experiences from the Facebook forums.

Certainly does sound like good news  !

As my tearfilm and saliva production are also impaired it might benefit me too. Any ideas if the spray is available on the European market yet? Are you able to obtain it in Israel?

Hope you are well !

[Sharon]

Sjogirl - It is supposed to improve tear film. You can't know for certain how or if it will help you until you try as we all respond so differently to treatments.

Maria - Thank you, hope you are well too! Living life this way is a constant struggle but always searching for something to help. The spray is not yet available outside of the US as it was only recently approved by the FDA and marketed in the US. You can however import it to Europe. I am currently in the process of importing it to Israel.

[Maria3667]

Hi Sharon,

In regard of all the symptoms I'm doing quite well, thank you.

So does a physician help you import the spray? Citizens are not allowed to import prescription drugs in my country.

[Sharon]

Great to hear you're doing well Maria!
As far as importing: I got a prescription from my ophthalmologist and he also filled out a special form for the Health Ministry to obtain their approval to import it. I then contacted a local importing company (that charges a small fortune) and am now awaiting its arrival.
I understand there is an importing company in Germany that deals with imports of meds to European countries.

[Maria3667]

Thanks Sharon

I'll try to get co-operation from my opthalmologist but am a bit weary as doctors here are conservative and prefer to await the results on the other side of the big pond...

Has yours arrived yet?

[Sharon]

I know what that's like... took me a long time to find one that's cooperative and just lets me try whatever becomes available (not many options for us as it is)!
It hasn't arrived yet for me and looks like it will take some time yet to get here.

[morganjen]

Yes, I have been using the Tyrvaya nasal spray for a little over a month. It does work, but for me it doesn't last 12 hours inbetween doses. It does help the dryness a little. I have Tricare, and my cost is $68 a month.

[Maria3667]

Thank you Morganjen for sharing your positive experience  . Who prescribes the spray for you? Does it hurt or tingle when you spray it?

@Sharon: has your shipment arrived yet?

[morganjen]

Thank you Morganjen for sharing your positive experience  . Who prescribes the spray for you? Does it hurt or tingle when you spray it?

@Sharon: has your shipment arrived yet?

My eye doctor prescribed it. I'd say it tingles when you spray it. Doesn't hurt. Kind of like sniffing black pepper. There is a trick to using it. I wasn't doing it correctly at first, and using it like a regular allergy spray. It was irritating my throat and making me cough. There are videos on youtube from doctors that show the correct positioning and spraying technique.

[susanep]

My eyes stay so dry that I feel like I am always putting more drops in my eyes. When I next see my eye doctor I will ask her about something else. I hope this one helps you folks.
susanep

[bluegardenia]

I got the tyrvaya from an American eye doctor who comes every three months to Europe. I will try it and report here.  I am quite afraid from the fact that he said that I could cough and sneeze... and what if it closes my throat or if I am allergic? may be I will try when in a pharmacy where I usually go