The Different Cyclosporine Eye Drops That Could Cause Audit Trouble
Cyclosporine eye drops are used to increase tear production in individuals with certain eye conditions and dry eye disease. You are likely familiar with Restasis® and Restasis MultiDose®, but the newest cyclosporine product Vevye®, hit the market in late 2023.
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Vevye® uses a water-free vehicle which allows the medication to spread evenly and remain longer across the surface of the eye. The Vevye® drop size of 10 microliters is much smaller than eye drop formulations that contain water which have a typical drop size of between 30 to 50 microliters. This can cause confusion when trying to calculate a days’ supply. Vevye®, along with the other three medications listed in the chart, are unique and would NOT apply to the PBM published drops per millimeter guidelines.
| Medication | NDC | Package Size | Manufacturer Beyond Use Date |
| Cequa® 0.09% solution | 47335-0506-96 | 60 Each | The solution from one single-use vial is to be used immediately after opening for administration to one or both eyes: the remaining contents should be discarded immediately |
| Restasis® 0.05% emulsion | 00023-9163-30
00023-9163-60 |
30 Each
60 Each |
The emulsion from one single-use vial is to be used immediately after opening for administration to one or both eyes; the remaining contents should be discarded immediately
Caution: Restasis® is also available in a 5.5 mL multi-dose preservative-free bottle NDC 00023-5301-05 |
| Verkazia® 0.1% emulsion | 65086-0001-12 | 120 Each | The emulsion from one single-use vial is to be used immediately after opening for administration to one or both eyes; the remaining contents should be discarded immediately |
| Vevye® 0.1% solution* | 82667-0900-02 | 2 mL | After opening, can be used until the expiration date on the bottle |
⃰ Written correspondence from manufacturer confirms 200 drops in a 2 mL bottle. 2 mL/0.01 mL per drop = 200 drops
PAAS Tips:
- A prescription needs calculable directions including which eye, or eyes, the drops are being utilized in, the frequency for which they are used, and a specified quantity (e.g., mL, bottles, vials)
- Ensure drops available in single-use vials are calculated based on the number of vials needed per day, not drops/mL
- Be aware of the special billing considerations for Vevye® ophthalmic solution
- Review our updated Eye Drops Days’ Supply chart on the PAAS Portal
- Refer to the March 2024 Newsline articles to learn more about unique eye drops and special billing considerations
Analyst at PAAS National®
I began working at an independent pharmacy in high school and really enjoyed being in the health care field. I provided clinical support to improve patient care and adherence to their medications. I have played a vital role in the pharmacy industry full-time for 23 years.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and have been a Certified Pharmacy Technician since 2001. Prior to joining the PAAS team, I was a floating technician, 3rd party district chargeback specialist, and district pharmacy training coordinator. Formerly, I was also an instructor for pharmacy technician certification classes.
PAAS’ personal, one-on-one connection will help your pharmacy become more successful in dealing with tiresome PBM audits. It is a pleasure knowing that my colleagues and I can help member pharmacies.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and have been a Certified Pharmacy Technician since 2001. Prior to joining the PAAS team, I was a floating technician, 3rd party district chargeback specialist, and district pharmacy training coordinator. Formerly, I was also an instructor for pharmacy technician certification classes.
PAAS’ personal, one-on-one connection will help your pharmacy become more successful in dealing with tiresome PBM audits. It is a pleasure knowing that my colleagues and I can help member pharmacies.
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