How to Get a Xiidra Prescription Online for Dry Eye Disease
Xiidra (lifitegrast) targets the inflammation that drives dry eye disease — and a licensed provider can evaluate your symptoms and send your prescription to your pharmacy without an in-person visit.
What is Xiidra and How Does It Work?
Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%) is an LFA-1 antagonist — it blocks a specific interaction between immune cells that triggers the inflammation cycle responsible for dry eye disease. Unlike artificial tears that temporarily relieve symptoms, Xiidra addresses a root cause: the chronic inflammatory cycle that damages the ocular surface over time.
It is used twice daily (one drop in each eye) and is indicated for both the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease — meaning it can reduce both the discomfort you feel and the observable damage to the eye surface that an eye doctor would see.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronic condition affecting roughly 1 in 7 adults in the US — an estimated 49 million people. It occurs when the eyes either do not produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears that evaporate too quickly, leading to inflammation and surface damage.
Common risk factors include screen use, contact lens wear, aging, hormonal changes (especially menopause), certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs), and autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome.
💡 When OTC drops aren't enough
If you are using artificial tears more than 4 times per day and still have significant symptoms, or if your eyes are red, burning, or affecting your vision, you likely have moderate-to-severe DED that warrants prescription treatment. This is a good time to schedule a telehealth evaluation.
Getting Xiidra Through Telehealth
A telehealth evaluation for dry eye is practical for most patients. Here is what to expect:
- Describe your symptoms: How long have you had them? Do you have burning, stinging, fluctuating vision, or a gritty sensation? How often do you use OTC drops and do they help?
- Mention relevant history: Contact lens use, screen time, medications, autoimmune conditions, recent LASIK, or prior dry eye diagnosis.
- Provider evaluation: The provider will assess whether your symptom pattern is consistent with DED and whether Xiidra is appropriate.
- Prescription issued: If Xiidra is prescribed, it is sent electronically to your pharmacy. Some platforms also offer mail-order eye drops.
- Price check: Before picking up, compare prices at rx.com/drug/xiidra — the cash price varies between pharmacies.
⚠️ Severe eye pain, vision changes, or injury
These require urgent in-person evaluation, not telehealth. Telehealth is best for chronic dry eye management, not acute eye emergencies.
Cost and Savings Options
Xiidra is a brand-name medication with no generic available, which keeps the cash price high — typically $620–$720 for a 30-day supply (60 single-use vials). Insurance coverage varies, and many plans require prior authorization.
| Savings Option | Who Qualifies | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Novartis savings card | Commercially insured | As low as $0 per fill* |
| Patient assistance program | Uninsured / income-qualified | Potentially free |
| Rx.com free coupon | Anyone (cash pay) | Compare at rx.com/drug/xiidra |
| Insurance with PA | Covered plans with prior auth | Standard copay |
Xiidra vs. Restasis and Other Dry Eye Treatments
| Treatment | Mechanism | Onset of Symptom Relief | Rx Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiidra (lifitegrast) | LFA-1 antagonist (anti-inflammatory) | 2 weeks (symptoms); 3 months (signs) | Yes |
| Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05%) | Calcineurin inhibitor | 3–6 months | Yes |
| Vevye (cyclosporine 0.1%) | Calcineurin inhibitor | 1–3 months | Yes |
| OTC artificial tears | Lubrication only | Minutes (temporary) | No |
| Punctal plugs | Reduces tear drainage | Immediate | Procedure |
Xiidra may provide faster symptom relief than Restasis, which requires 3–6 months for full effect. However, individual response varies — some patients do better on one than the other. Your provider can switch or combine treatments based on your progress.
Is telehealth the right path for your dry eye treatment?
Check the column that fits your situation:
✅ Telehealth works well
- Chronic dry eye symptoms not controlled by OTC drops
- Existing dry eye diagnosis seeking refill or switch
- Burning, stinging, foreign body sensation for weeks+
- Screen-related or menopausal dry eye
🏥 See an eye doctor in person
- Sudden vision changes or eye pain
- Eye redness with discharge (possible infection)
- Suspected corneal damage or ulceration
- First-time severe symptoms without prior evaluation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Xiidra take to work?
Many patients notice symptom improvement (burning, discomfort) within 2 weeks. The measurable signs of dry eye — observed by your eye doctor — typically improve over 3 months of consistent twice-daily use. Give it at least 90 days before concluding it is not working.
What are the most common Xiidra side effects?
The most frequently reported side effects are eye irritation, discomfort upon instillation, blurred vision (temporary, usually clears within minutes), and an unusual taste sensation (dysgeusia) caused by nasolacrimal drainage. These often diminish after the first few weeks of use.
Can I use Xiidra with contact lenses?
Remove contact lenses before instilling Xiidra and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. You can continue to wear contacts while on Xiidra as long as you follow this timing.
Is there a generic version of Xiidra?
Not currently. Xiidra's patent protection means no generic lifitegrast is available in the US yet. Savings cards and patient assistance programs are the main cost-reduction tools available at this time.
Can I use both Xiidra and artificial tears?
Yes — artificial tears can still be used alongside Xiidra for additional comfort relief, especially during the initial weeks before Xiidra's anti-inflammatory effect builds. Wait 5–10 minutes between the two to avoid diluting the medication.
Does Xiidra require prior authorization?
Many insurance plans require prior authorization for Xiidra. Your telehealth provider can submit a PA request on your behalf. Come prepared with documentation of OTC treatment failure to support the PA.
How do I compare Xiidra prices?
Visit rx.com/drug/xiidra to see real-time cash prices at pharmacies near you. Even with a coupon, the cash price is high — explore the Novartis savings card if you have commercial insurance.
Get Your Xiidra Prescription Online
A licensed provider can evaluate your dry eye symptoms and send your Xiidra prescription to your pharmacy today.