
What is CYSTARAN®?

What is CYSTARAN®?

What is
CYSTARAN®?
What is CYSTARAN?
CYSTARAN is an eyedrop medication intended to treat the buildup of cystine crystals in the corneas of adults and children who have cystinosis. It was approved by the FDA in 2012 as an orphan drug.

CYSTARAN is a topical medication, which means that you put it directly on the affected area—in this case, the eyes. That’s different from an oral medication, which you take by mouth. If you have cystinosis, you may be prescribed both an oral and a topical medication.
How does CYSTARAN work?
Cysteamine, the active ingredient in CYSTARAN, works to help decrease the accumulation of cystine crystals in the body’s tissues.
Cysteamine binds to and changes cystine. The bound substance can be removed from the lysosomes of the body’s cells without a need for cystinosin and is not harmful to the eye.
Lysosome Affected by Cystinosis
Lysosome Affected by Cystinosis
After Taking Cysteamine


The use of CYSTARAN has been demonstrated to be effective at reducing corneal crystals.
How does CYSTARAN work?
Cysteamine, the active ingredient in CYSTARAN, works to help decrease the accumulation of cystine crystals in the body’s tissues.
Cysteamine binds to and changes cystine. The bound substance can be removed from the lysosomes of the body’s cells without a need for cystinosin and is not harmful to the eye.
Lysosome Affected by Cystinosis

Lysosome Affected by Cystinosis After Taking Cysteamine

The use of CYSTARAN has been demonstrated to be effective at reducing corneal crystals.
See examples of Treatment with CYSTARAN*



*Corneal slit-lamp photographs of patients treated with CYSTARAN. These examples represent patients who responded to treatment and in subsequent follow up appointments. Duration of therapy varied from 8-41 months. Response may vary from patient to patient.

How do I store and take CYSTARAN?
How to Store CYSTARAN

Store bottles in the freezer in the original carton.

Each week, remove one new bottle from the freezer.

Allow the bottle to thaw completely (approximately 24 hours) prior to use.

After the bottle is completely thawed, record the discard date on the bottle label. The discard date is seven (7) days from the day the bottle is thawed.

Store the thawed bottle at no greater than room temperature for up to 1 week. No refrigeration required after thawing. Do not refreeze the bottle.

Remember to discard the bottle at the end of 1 week (7 days). There may be medication left in the bottle; however, you must discard it because the medication is only stable for 1 week after thawing.
