Dry Eye

Question
In my mini poodle, after treating eye irritation (and discharge) for 2+ years as allergic reaction to something, when I asked another doc in the medical group to look at a cloudy area, she suggested the "allergy" problem might be dry eye instead.  Test came back positive.  We have started today with .02% cyclosporine drops.  I understand it will take a while to see results and that this is a lifetime med.  My vet is charging me $65 for 5ml.  (Wow!)  

I looked on-line for this med, in addition to Restasis by name (which appears to be available only in .05%).  I found Optimmune ointment (but not drops) in pet pharmacies.

He was taking neopolydex for the "allergies," and a 5ml bottle lasted about a month (bid), so I assume these new drops will last as long.  

So, $65 is high for a monthly med forever.  I'm looking into alternatives.  

Question 1: If I get these drops compounded, is it likely to be more expensive?  Probably yes, right?

Question 2: Is a "human" form of cyclosporine .02% available that  I might use instead?  Assume it would be the same med (yes?).

Thanks so much!
mb

Answer
Martha Beth -

Cyclosporine is just that - human or animal form - it is the same drug.  Because it is such a valuable drug, and is quite effective, it is expensive. If you have it compounded it will be more expensive.  

Restasis is even more expensive because it is marketed  by a pharmaceutical company.  

Unfortunately, if your dog has dry eye, then at this point, cyclopean is the most effective.  It does not seem that your vet is overcharging you; that's the price of the drug.