Cequa

Generic name: Cyclosporine Ophthalmic
Brand names: Cequa
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents

Usage of Cequa

Cequa is an immunosuppressant. Cequa can increase tear production that has been reduced by inflammation in the eye(s).

Cequa is used to treat chronic dry eye that may be caused by inflammation.

Cequa eye drops are packaged in sterile, preservative-free, single-use vials.

Cequa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Cequa: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Cequa and call your doctor at once if you have:

severe eye pain, burning, or stinging after putting in the drops;

swollen eyelids; or

signs of eye infection - swelling, redness, severe discomfort, crusting or drainage.

Common Cequa side effects may include:

mild eye pain, redness, or other irritation;

watery eyes;

blurred vision; or

feeling like something is in your eye.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Cequa

You should not use Cequa if you are allergic to cyclosporine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Cequa is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Cequa

Usual Adult Dose for Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca:

1 drop 2 times a day in each eye approximately 12 hours apart Comments: -This drug can be used concomitantly with artificial tears, allowing a 15 minute interval between products. Use: To increase tear production in patients whose tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Cequa

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Popular FAQ

Cequa is not covered by most insurance plans as less expensive alternatives are now available for chronic dry eye. A similar generic cyclosporine eye drop is now available at US pharmacies and may be preferred by your insurance company. If you prefer brand name Cequa, your cost with Medicare will depend upon your specific insurance coverage. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible for a copay card from Sun Ophthalmics.

Yes, the Cequa copay card is available from Sun Ophthalmics by calling 1-855-268-1426 or accessing online. Present the activated copay card to your pharmacist with a valid prescription. If you have commercial health insurance and are a US resident, you may pay as little as $0 per month for each 60 vial box of Cequa. The maximum benefit is $250 per prescription.

Cequa is expensive because it was approved in 2018 and is not yet available as a generic. Cequa also uses a special nanomicellar technology to help deliver poorly water-soluble drugs into the eye. The generic for Cequa may not be available for many years due to patent protection. There are other options: the manufacturer offers a copay card if you are eligible that may reduce your Cequa cost to $0, or a generic cyclosporine eye drop option for Restasis is available. Talk to your doctor.

Both Cequa and Restasis are eye drops that contain cyclosporine. They are used to increase tear production in patients with dry eye disease (medically called keratoconjunctivitis sicca). However, Cequa incorporates a novel nanomicellar technology of cyclosporine A to allow delivery of high concentrations of the medication into the eye. Restasis is not manufactured using nanomicellar technology. Nanomicellar technology can help deliver poorly water-soluble drugs into the eye and protect the drug molecule. Continue reading

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