Prescription Treatment Guide
XDEMVY for Demodex Blepharitis
Demodex blepharitis is a common but often missed cause of itchy, crusty, irritated eyelids, and it comes from tiny mites along the lash line. XDEMVY is the first FDA-approved prescription eye drop made to target and kill those mites. It is available by prescription, and the Dry Eye Rescue doctor network can examine your eyelids and write the script when it is appropriate.
Key Takeaways
- Demodex blepharitis is caused by Demodex mites living at the base of the eyelashes.
- The telltale sign is collarettes, a cylindrical, dandruff-like crust at the lash base that an eye doctor can spot.
- XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%) is the first FDA-approved prescription eye drop that targets and kills the mites that cause it.
- It is used as one drop in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart, for 6 weeks.
- It is prescription only and cannot be bought over the counter.
- The most common side effect in studies was temporary stinging or burning when the drop is instilled.
- The Dry Eye Rescue doctor network can examine your eyelids, confirm the diagnosis, and prescribe XDEMVY when appropriate.
Quick Answer: What is XDEMVY?
XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%), made by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, is the first FDA-approved prescription eye drop designed to treat Demodex blepharitis by targeting and killing the Demodex mites that cause it. It is taken as one drop in each eye twice a day for six weeks, and it requires a prescription from an eye doctor.
What Is Demodex Blepharitis?
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. One common and often overlooked type is Demodex blepharitis, which is caused by Demodex mites. These microscopic mites naturally live on human skin, but when too many gather at the base of the eyelashes, they can irritate the lid and lash line.
The most recognizable sign is collarettes, a cylindrical, dandruff-like buildup wrapped around the base of the lashes. Collarettes are considered a hallmark of Demodex blepharitis, and an eye doctor can look for them during an exam. Common symptoms include the following.
Itchy Eyelids
Persistent itching along the lash line, often worse in the morning.
Crusting & Collarettes
Flaky, cylindrical debris wrapped around the base of the eyelashes.
Red, Irritated Lids
Redness, swelling, and a gritty or foreign-body feeling in the eyes.
Recurring Styes
Repeated styes or chalazia and ongoing eyelid discomfort.
What Is XDEMVY and How Does It Work?
XDEMVY is a prescription eye drop whose active ingredient is lotilaner 0.25%, an agent that targets and kills Demodex mites. Instead of only soothing symptoms, it is designed to address the root cause of Demodex blepharitis by reducing the mite population at the lash line.
XDEMVY was FDA-approved in 2023 and is the first treatment approved specifically for Demodex blepharitis. Its safety and effectiveness were studied in two large phase 3 clinical trials, known as SATURN-1 and SATURN-2. You can review the full results and official information on the manufacturer's site.
Learn more at the official site: xdemvy.com.
How XDEMVY Is Used
XDEMVY is taken as a simple twice-daily eye drop. Your prescriber will give you full instructions, but the general dosing studied and approved is below.
One Drop, Each Eye
Instill one drop of XDEMVY in each eye.
Twice a Day
Use it twice daily, about 12 hours apart, morning and evening.
For 6 Weeks
Continue the full six-week course as directed by your doctor.
A few practical notes from the prescribing information: do not let the bottle tip touch your eye or any surface, since a contaminated solution can seriously harm the eye. XDEMVY contains potassium sorbate, which may discolor soft contact lenses, so remove contacts before using it and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in. If more than one eye drop is used, separate them by at least five minutes.
Dry Eye Rescue Tip
Demodex blepharitis can look like ordinary dry eye or general eyelid irritation, so it is often missed. Only an eye doctor can confirm it, usually by looking for collarettes at the lash base, and only an eye doctor can prescribe XDEMVY. The Dry Eye Rescue doctor network can do both: examine your eyelids and, when appropriate, write the prescription.
Could XDEMVY Be Right for You?
XDEMVY is for people diagnosed with Demodex blepharitis. If the signs below sound familiar, it is worth having an eye doctor check your lash line for collarettes and other signs of mites.
- Itchy, irritated eyelids, especially in the morning
- Crusting or flaky buildup at the base of the eyelashes
- Red, swollen, or inflamed eyelid margins
- A gritty or foreign-body sensation that does not fully resolve with drops
- Recurring styes or chalazia
- Eyelid symptoms that keep coming back despite lid hygiene and artificial tears
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Getting checked for Demodex blepharitis is quick and straightforward. Here is what usually happens.
- Your eye doctor asks about your symptoms, such as itching, crusting, and redness, and how long they have lasted.
- They examine your eyelids and lash line up close, often asking you to look down so they can check the base of your upper lashes.
- They look for collarettes and other signs of Demodex mites to confirm the diagnosis.
- If Demodex blepharitis is confirmed, they discuss your options, including the prescription eye drop XDEMVY and supportive lid care.
- If XDEMVY is appropriate, they send the prescription to your pharmacy and explain how to use it.
- You may return for a follow-up visit to check your progress after the treatment course.
Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe XDEMVY
XDEMVY is prescription only. Use the Dry Eye Rescue Doctor Locator to find an eye doctor near you who can check for Demodex blepharitis and prescribe XDEMVY when it is right for you. You can also take the DryEye Q assessment to prepare for your visit.
Important Safety Information
Please read before considering XDEMVY
Indication: XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25% is indicated for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. It is available by prescription only.
Most common side effects: In clinical trials the most common side effect was stinging and burning at the time the drop was instilled, reported in about 10% of patients. Other reactions reported in fewer than 2% of patients were chalazion or hordeolum (styes) and punctate keratitis.
Avoiding contamination: Do not let the tip of the bottle touch your eye, the area around your eye, your fingers, or any other surface. A contaminated solution can cause serious damage to the eye and loss of vision.
Contact lenses: XDEMVY contains potassium sorbate, which may discolor soft contact lenses. Remove contact lenses before using XDEMVY and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
Reporting side effects: You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Suspected adverse reactions can also be reported to Tarsus Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-421-4002.
This is a brief summary and not complete safety information. Please talk with your eye doctor and review the full Important Safety Information and full Prescribing Information before starting treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is XDEMVY?
XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution 0.25%) is a prescription eye drop from Tarsus Pharmaceuticals. It is the first FDA-approved treatment designed specifically for Demodex blepharitis, and it works by targeting and killing the Demodex mites that cause the condition.
What is Demodex blepharitis?
Demodex blepharitis is eyelid inflammation caused by Demodex mites at the base of the eyelashes. It can cause itching, crusting, redness, irritation, and recurring styes. The telltale sign is collarettes, a cylindrical crust at the lash base.
What are collarettes?
Collarettes are cylindrical, dandruff-like deposits wrapped around the base of the eyelashes. They are a hallmark of Demodex blepharitis, and an eye doctor can look for them during an eyelid exam.
Is XDEMVY over the counter or prescription?
XDEMVY is prescription only. It cannot be purchased over the counter and must be prescribed by an eye doctor after a diagnosis of Demodex blepharitis.
How long is XDEMVY treatment?
The approved course is one drop in each eye twice a day, about 12 hours apart, for six weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions and finish the full course unless told otherwise.
What are the side effects of XDEMVY?
The most common side effect in clinical trials was temporary stinging and burning when the drop is instilled, in about 10% of patients. Less common reactions, in fewer than 2% of patients, included styes (chalazion or hordeolum) and punctate keratitis. See the full Important Safety Information for details.
Can the Dry Eye Rescue doctor network prescribe XDEMVY?
Yes. The eye doctors in the Dry Eye Rescue network can examine your eyelids, confirm whether you have Demodex blepharitis, and prescribe XDEMVY when it is appropriate. Use the Doctor Locator to find one near you.
Where can I learn more about XDEMVY?
You can find official product information, results, and full safety details on the manufacturer's website at xdemvy.com. Always discuss whether XDEMVY is right for you with your eye doctor.
Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from your eye care professional. XDEMVY is a prescription medicine and requires a diagnosis and prescription from a licensed eye doctor. XDEMVY and its logo are trademarks of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dry Eye Rescue is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For official information, results, full Important Safety Information, and Prescribing Information, visit xdemvy.com.
Think You Might Have Demodex Blepharitis?
If your eyelids are itchy, crusty, or irritated and will not settle down, an eye doctor can check for Demodex mites and let you know whether XDEMVY is right for you.
