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Dry EYE/Weight Gain

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Posted 6/15/2006 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
This is probably posted in the wrong area. Can't seem to find where it might fit.

I have "dry eye", perhaps the result of Sjogren's Syndrome and hypothyroidism. My eye doc precribed Restasis. I have been on it for one year. I don't see any significant moisture changes, but I have gained 10 lbs after about 3 months of using the product. This may be a by product of the meds, part of the Sjogren's syndrome/Hypo, or maybe just too much pasta!

I am interested in hearing from anyone who has experienced a weight gained after starting on Restasis.

Jack A
Posted 6/15/2006 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Jack A,

Welcome to HealingWell.  You are absolutely in the correct place.  We deal with all Autoimmune, Arthritic & Rheumatic issues here.

Personally I never have been on Restasis.

We have a few great folks here with Sjogrens.  Curley is great, she'll see this I'm sure.  Ducky our fellow moderator is also familiar with thyroid disorders.

 

You're right on target with dry eye being related to the Sjogrens and the Hypothyroid.  Sjogrens will zap moisture from pretty much all of the mucus membranes (eyes, mouth, nares, vaginal canal)  And yeah, low thyroid can make weight loss difficult & weight gain very easy.

 

 

I don't have a 2006 drug reference guide, so Restasis isn't in my text.  But I am sure if weight gain is a possible side effect it will be stated so in the Rx print out.

 

But I'm sure you'll get some replies from fellow members who are indeed on Restasis.

 

Glad to have you.  Post back soon.

Take good care,

Erin

Posted 6/15/2006 5:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Erin!
Posted 6/15/2006 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jack,
I have Sjogren's too, just dx'd this year, but only very mild dry eye and I haven't tried Restasis yet. I only use the artificial tears right now so no experience with the med. I just want you to know that you are not alone. There are a few people with Sjogren's on the lupus forum as well although not sure if anyone is on Restasis. Take Care
Posted 6/15/2006 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jack  scool -

 

How long have you been Hypo-thyroid?  Do you still have your thyroid?  Every undergone radiation?  Also, when was the last time you've had your TSH/T4/T3 levels checked?  Reason why I ask is 'cause I used to have Graves disease which is Hyper-thyroid, and I had to have my thyroid taken out.  I have under gone a complete thyroidectomy, so of course, now I am on Synthroid.  .175mcg daily actually.  However, recently I have noticed that I have been exhibiting signs of Hypothyroidism.  I just went in last week to have all my levels checked, I have yet to hear anything.  I suspect that my levels are low though and my meds need to be adjusted... The last time I had labwork done for my thyroid, they were on the low side of normal, and that was in October. 

 

Anyway - back to the dry eye thing.  I have been on restasis in the past, however, I didn't notice any weight gain while on it.  Actually nothing happened while on it, and I decided not to take it anymore.  Now I use Refresh Plus drops for the dryness and Patanol for the itching.  It seems to be working out for me... I don't know if that has helped you out or not, but thought I'd give it a shot... Hope you are well.. :-)

 

Duck 

 

Posted 6/16/2006 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks!

I am presently euthyroid. I (have been) hypo for about ten years. I get my TSH and T3 &T4 checked twice a year. My ranges are perfect for me. I take Synthroid.

The Restasis doesn't seem to be working for me. Thera Tears and some B&L Moisture Eyes PM seems to help...but not a cure.
Posted 6/16/2006 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jack A.,
Unfortunately like so many other things there isn't cure. Being on a RX eye med for a year is giving it well enough of a chance to work.
Very severe dry eye is very irritating and painful & does pose the risk of as of course you most likely already know...scratching your lens of your eye & infection and mucosa problems of the inner lids/conjuctiva. Perhaps lubricating drops will have to do. Even though many applications per day is required.

Are you considering stopping the Restasis?
I do wish you all the best & do hope that something will help.
Sincerely,
Erin
Posted 6/18/2006 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
I have a doc appt in July. I may go off of it for a while pending the moisture test.

I am going to try Evening Primrose (oral caps) for a while to see if it seems to help.
Posted 6/23/2006 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Jack, how are things going? Did the Evening Primrose help? When is your appt in July?
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