TUESDAY, Feb. 4 (HealthScoutNews) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Allergan's drug to treat suppressed tear production caused by chronic dry eye disease (CDED). Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion, 0.05%) is the first approved therapy for CDED, Allergan says. Suppressed tear production in CDED patients, caused by inflammation of the eye, is especially prevalent among the elderly, post-menopausal women and people with chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. More than a million people in the United States are thought to have CDED, medically known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, the company says. Restasis is not recommended for people with an active eye infection. Side effects reported during clinical trials included red eye, excessive tearing, eye pain, itching, stinging, and blurred vision. Allergan says the product will be available in the United States in April. For more about Restasis, visit the drug's Web site. To learn more about CDED, check the National Eye Institute. -- Scott Roberts Copyright © 2003 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.