Cequa® (Cyclosporine Ophthalmic Solution) 0.09%
Cequa® is a prescription eye drop used to increase the production of natural tears in patients with chronic dry eye (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca). It is a calcineurin inhibitor that helps reduce inflammation in the eyes, addressing one of the key causes of dry eye. Unlike over-the-counter artificial tears, Cequa works at the root of the problem by promoting the natural tear production process.
How Cequa Works
Cequa helps relieve the symptoms of chronic dry eye by targeting the underlying inflammation that affects tear production. In clinical studies, Cequa significantly improved tear production, with many patients seeing improvement within just two weeks of starting treatment.
Cequa works as an immunosuppressant, specifically targeting the immune response in the eyes. By inhibiting T-cell activation, Cequa reduces the immune system's overreaction which leads to inflammation in the lacrimal glands, which are responsible for tear production. By calming this immune response, Cequa allows the lacrimal glands to produce more natural tears, helping to alleviate the symptoms of chronic dry eye, such as dryness, irritation, and discomfort.
Conditions Treated with Cequa
Cequa is primarily prescribed to treat chronic dry eye, a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or produce poor-quality tears that cannot properly lubricate the eyes. Left untreated, chronic dry eye can lead to eye irritation, vision problems, and damage to the surface of the eye.
Learn more about the symptoms and treatment options for chronic dry eye on our Dry Eye Syndrome page.
How to Use Cequa
To get the most benefit from Cequa, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Typically, one drop of Cequa is applied in each eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart. If you use artificial tears, ensure there is at least a 15-minute gap between applying Cequa and any other eye drops.
Important Safety Information
Contact Lenses: Cequa should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Remove lenses before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
Single-Use Vials: Cequa comes in single-use vials. After opening a vial, discard any unused product.
Side Effects: The most common side effects include eye pain, redness, irritation, or headaches. If you experience any severe reactions, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Visit the official Cequa website for more information about the drug, including pricing and availability.
Alternatives to Cequa®
Cequa® is one of several treatments available for chronic dry eye, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. Here are some alternatives that your doctor may suggest:
Restasis®: Similar to Cequa, Restasis also uses cyclosporine to treat chronic dry eye by reducing inflammation. While Cequa may offer faster results for some, Restasis is well-established and has been shown to significantly increase tear production over 3 to 6 months. Learn more about Restasis here.
Xiidra®: Xiidra is another prescription eye drop that targets the inflammation caused by chronic dry eye. Xiidra works by blocking certain proteins that contribute to inflammation, providing relief from symptoms such as burning, itching, and stinging. Learn more about Xiidra here.
Over-the-Counter Artificial Tears: For milder cases, artificial tears can help relieve dryness and discomfort, although they don’t treat the underlying inflammation. These drops are often used in conjunction with prescription treatments like Cequa or Restasis.
Speak with your doctor about the best treatment plan for your chronic dry eye. Visit our Dry Eye Syndrome page for more alternatives and information on treatment options.
