What Is Tyrvaya Used For?

Tyrvaya (varenicline) is used to treat dry eye disease, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Varenicline helps tear production once sprayed in the nostril. This nasal spray is approved for use in adults only.

Brand Name(s): Tyrvaya

Drug Availability: Prescription

Therapeutic Classification: Cholinergic agonist

Available Generically: No

Controlled Substance: N/A

Administration Route: Intranasal

Active Ingredient: Varenicline

Dosage Form(s): Nasal spray

How to Use Tyrvaya

Spray Tyrvaya into your nostrils only twice daily, as directed by your healthcare provider. Separate your doses by about 12 hours apart. Do not spray Tyrvaya into your mouth or eyes.

Before your first use, blow your nose to clear your nostrils if needed.  Prime the pump by pressing it down seven times, away from your face into the air. Do not shake. Tilt your head back without lying down.  Insert the applicator into your nostril, aiming the tip toward the top of your ear. Leave room between the applicator tip and the nasal wall.  Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Softly breathe in while pressing the pump to release the spray. Spraying directly at your septum (the area that separates your nostrils) is not advised.  After each usage, wipe the applicator with a clean cloth or tissue.  Put the cap back on once you are done taking your dose.

If you don’t use your pump for more than five days, reprime your pump by spraying one spray into the air (away from your face).

Note: A month’s supply is two bottles. Do not open both bottles at the same time. Finish using your first bottle before opening the second.

Storage

Store nasal spray at room temperature (68 to 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Use within 30 days of opening. Discard any part not used after 30 days. Ask your pharmacist about the best ways to discard any unused medicine.

Keep your medications away from children and pets, preferably locked.

What are the Side Effects of Tyrvaya?

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Tyrvaya include but are not limited to:

Cough Sneezing Nose or throat irritation

Severe Side Effects

Tyrvaya can cause severe side effects in some people. The reactions may be life-threatening. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or think you have a medical emergency.

Severe side effects include signs of allergic reaction like:

RashItchingWheezingUnusual hoarsenessCheat or throat tightnessSwelling of your throat, lip, mouth, tongue, or faceRed, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever

Dosage: How Much Tyrvaya Should I Take?

Modifications

The following should be kept in mind when using Tyrvaya:

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your healthcare provider may send a report to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program or by phone (800-332-1088).

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For nasal dosage form (spray): For treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease: Adults—1 spray in each nostril 2 times a day (at least 12 hours apart). Each spray contains 0. 03 milligrams (mg) of varenicline. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Pregnancy: In animal studies, varenicline caused low fetal weight and reduced the mother’s weight gain during pregnancy. We don’t know enough about the safety and effectiveness of Tyrvaya in pregnant people and on their unborn fetus. Discuss with your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant, and to weigh the benefits and risks of taking Tyrvaya during your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: In animal studies, rats given varenicline had varenicline in their milk. However, it’s not known if Tyrvaya is present in breastmilk in humans. If you plan to breastfeed, talk with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks of taking Tyrvaya while nursing and the different ways available to feed your baby.

Adults over the age of 65 years: There were no general differences in safety or effectiveness between older and younger adults.

Children: There is no data on the safety and effectiveness of this drug in children.

Missed Dose

If you accidentally forgot your Tyrvaya dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular time. Do not double your dose or use extra sprays.

Try to find ways to help yourself remember to routinely take your medication. If you miss too many doses, Tyvaya might be less effective in treating dry eyes.

Overdose: What Happens If I Use Too Much Tyrvaya?

There is limited information available about Tyrvaya overdose.

However, if you think that you’re experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Use Tyrvaya?

If you’re allergic to Tyrvaya or any of ingredients, avoid using it.

If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Tyrvaya, call 911 immediately.

What Other Medications Interact With Tyrvaya?

There are no known, significant interactions for Tyrvaya. However, speak to your healthcare provider before starting any new drugs (including over-the-counter medicines).

For more detailed information about medication interactions with Tyrvaya, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

What Medications Are Similar?

Other drugs similar to Tyrvaya used to treat dry eyes include:

Restasis (cyclosporine) Refresh Tears (carboxymethylcellulose) Systane (artificial tears) Xiidra (lifitegrast)

This is a list of medications that are also used to treat dry eyes. It is NOT a list of medicines that should be taken with Tyrvaya. You should not take these medications together unless your healthcare provider instructs you to do so. If you have any questions, talk with your pharmacist or a healthcare provider.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Tyrvaya?

Dry eye can be a chronic, lifelong condition. Avoid the following aggravating factors to help you stay healthy while living with dry eye disease:

CoughSneezingNose irritation

Cigarette smokeDry, hot airAir conditioning

Discuss using a humidifier in your bedroom and using protective eyewear with your healthcare provider. And do let your healthcare provider know if your medicine isn’t working well for you, or if your dry eye gets worse.