Verkazia (Cyclosporine) is used to treat severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). VKC is an allergic condition that affects the eye and mostly occurs seasonally. In some patients symptoms can recur or persist all year round. Cyclosporin belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. This medication works by reducing the activity of the body’s immune system and reduces inflammation. Verkazia is used to treat children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years of age. The recommended dose is one drop in each affected eye four times a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
Manufacturer Information
The brand Verkazia is available from Canada manufactured by Santen. It is available in the strength of 0.1%, 30 x 0.3 ml single dose vials. There is no generic available for this medication.
The most common side effects of Verkazia include pain when you put the drops in the eye. The other side effects may include:
• Cough;
• Headache;
• Upper respiratory tract infection
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Do not use Verkazia if you are allergic to Cyclosporin or to any of the ingredients in Verkazia or if you have an eye infection. Do not use Verkazia in kids under 4 years old. Before you start using this medication, talk to your doctor about your medical history and about all the medications you are using or might use. If you are using Verkazia for more than 12 months, you should visit your doctor every three to six months. If you use any other eye drops, use Verkazia at least 15 minutes after using the other eye drops. Your vision may be temporarily blurred after you use Verkazia eye drops. Do not stop using Verkazia without speaking to your doctor because your allergy will not be controlled and could lead to long-term problems with your sight.