Restasis can cost over $400 without insurance. Learn how to save with generic Cyclosporine, discount cards, coupons, and patient assistance programs in 2026.
If you've seen the price tag on Restasis, you know it's not cheap. Brand-name Restasis (Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) can cost $350 to $410 for a 30-day supply without insurance. That's a significant monthly expense for a medication you may need to use long-term to manage chronic dry eye.
But there are real ways to bring that cost down — sometimes dramatically. In this guide, we'll break down what Restasis costs in 2026, and walk you through every option for saving money on your prescription.
Here's what you can expect to pay at the pharmacy counter without any discounts or insurance:
These prices can vary by pharmacy and location, but the brand-name product consistently falls in this range. For most patients, this is unaffordable as a long-term out-of-pocket cost.
The single biggest way to save on Restasis is to switch to generic Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%. Generic versions are now available from multiple manufacturers and contain the same active ingredient at the same concentration.
With a pharmacy discount card, generic Cyclosporine typically costs:
That's a savings of $200 to $325 per month compared to brand Restasis. Ask your doctor to write your prescription for generic Cyclosporine, or ask your pharmacist if they can substitute the generic version.
For more on the differences between brand and generic, see our article on what Restasis is and how it works.
Even if you're paying out of pocket, pharmacy discount cards can significantly reduce your cost. These cards are free to use and work at most major pharmacies. Here are some of the best options for Cyclosporine:
SingleCare offers generic Cyclosporine ophthalmic for as low as $86.57 for a 60-vial box at participating pharmacies. The card is free and can be used whether you have insurance or not.
GoodRx compares prices across pharmacies and offers coupons that can bring generic Cyclosporine costs down significantly. Prices vary by location, but discounts of 50% or more off the retail price are common.
Additional discount card options include:
Pro tip: Prices can vary significantly between pharmacies, even with the same discount card. Always compare prices at 2-3 pharmacies before filling your prescription. Independent pharmacies sometimes offer the best prices on generics.
If you need brand-name Restasis specifically, Allergan (AbbVie) has offered savings programs for eligible patients:
AbbVie has historically offered the My Tears, My Rewards program and other co-pay savings cards for commercially insured patients. These can reduce your copay on brand Restasis, sometimes to as little as $0 per month depending on the program terms. Check restasis.com for current offers and eligibility requirements.
Note: Manufacturer savings cards typically cannot be used with Medicare, Medicaid, or other government insurance programs.
If you're uninsured, underinsured, or can't afford your medication even with discounts, patient assistance programs may be able to help:
AbbVie offers a patient assistance program that provides brand Restasis at no cost to qualifying patients. Eligibility is typically based on income level and insurance status. You can apply through your doctor's office or directly at AbbVie's website.
NeedyMeds maintains a database of patient assistance programs, including those for Cyclosporine products. They can help connect you with programs you may not have known about.
RxAssist is another resource for finding patient assistance programs. Their database includes both manufacturer programs and independent charitable foundations.
If your doctor wrote for brand Restasis, ask them if generic Cyclosporine would work for you. In most cases, it's therapeutically equivalent and much cheaper.
Many insurance plans offer lower copays for prescriptions filled through their preferred mail-order pharmacy. You may also qualify for a 90-day supply at a reduced per-month cost. Check with your insurance company for details.
Prices for the same medication can vary by $50 or more between pharmacies in the same area. Use Medfinder to find pharmacies with stock, then compare prices with discount cards at each location.
Some states offer pharmaceutical assistance programs for residents who meet income requirements. These programs can supplement Medicare coverage or help uninsured patients afford medications.
If cost remains a barrier even with generics and discounts, talk to your doctor about whether a different dry eye medication might be more affordable with your insurance plan. Some patients find that Xiidra, Miebo, or Tyrvaya are better covered by their specific plan. Read more in our article on alternatives to Restasis.
No one should have to skip their dry eye medication because of cost. Between generic Cyclosporine, discount cards, manufacturer programs, and patient assistance, there are real options for bringing your Restasis costs under control.
Start by asking your doctor about generic Cyclosporine, then compare prices at pharmacies near you using Medfinder. If you're struggling to find the medication in stock, our guide on how to find Restasis near you can help.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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