Cequa (Cyclosporine)

Indications

CEQUA is a prescription medication containing cyclosporine, used to increase the production of natural tears in patients with dry eye disease (keratoconjunctivitis sicca). It contains 0.09% cyclosporine ophthalmic solution. It is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant and works by reducing inflammation in the eye to increase the production of natural tears. It works by increasing the number of tears you make.

Uses and Dosage

Cequa is available as a topical solution that is applied directly to the eye usually twice a day (about 12 hours apart). If you are using another kind of eye medication (such as drops or ointments), wait at least 15 minutes before applying other medications. Use eye drops before eye ointments to allow the drops to enter the eye.

To use CEQUA Dropperette single-use dispenser:

1. Wash your hands before handling the dropper.
2. Tear open the foil pouch and remove the dropper.
3. Hold the dropper vertically and twist off the tip.
4. Tilt your head back and look up.
5. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
6. Place the tip of the dropper close to your eye and squeeze one drop into the pocket.
7. Close your eyes and press a finger against the corner of your eye (near the nose) for 1 minute to prevent the medication from draining out.
8. Discard the dropper after use.

The recommended dosage for CEQUA is one drop in each affected eye twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart.

Side effect

Common Side Effects of Cequa (Cyclosporine):

• Blurred vision
• Feeling like something is in the eye
• Mild eye pain
• Redness or other irritation of the eye
• Watery eyes

Serious Side Effects of Cequa (Cyclosporine):

• Burning or stinging after putting in the drops
• Crusting or drainage from the eye
• Redness
• Severe discomfort
• Severe eye pain
• Swelling
• Swollen eyelids

Form and Strength

Cequa (Cyclosporine) is available in the following forms and strength:

Cequa: Ophthalmic Solution

• 0.09%

Caution

• In rare cases, CEQUA can cause an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, severe eyelid swelling, or hives. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
• You should not wear contact lenses while using CEQUA. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying CEQUA and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
• If you need to use other eye drops, wait at least 15 minutes between doses.
• It is not known if Cyclosporine is safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Cyclosporine.
• Cyclosporine may increase the risk of eye infections. If you experience signs of an eye infection (e.g., eye pain, redness, or discharge) contact your healthcare provider.
• CEQUA may increase the risk of developing certain autoimmune diseases. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a history of autoimmune disease or if you develop new symptoms while using Cyclosporine.
• Cyclosporine, the active ingredient in Cyclosporine, is an immunosuppressant. This means it can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a history of infections or are prone to infections.
• If you are scheduled for eye surgery, tell your healthcare provider that you are using Cyclosporine. You may need to stop using Cyclosporine before the surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long can I use CEQUA for?

You can use CEQUA for as long as your healthcare provider recommends.

How long does it take for CEQUA to work?

Improvement in the symptoms of dry eye disease may be seen within a few weeks of starting treatment with CEQUA.

What should I do if I miss a dose of CEQUA?

If you miss a dose of CEQUA, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Resources

• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-176582/cequa-ophthalmic-eye/details
• https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Cequa-cyclosporine-24235
• https://www.rxlist.com/restasis_cequa_verkazia_cyclosporine_ophthalmic/drugs-condition.htm
• https://www.cequa.com/cost
• https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/210913s000lbl.pdf
• https://www.drugs.com/cequa.html