Cequa: Cost, Alternatives, Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, And More

Maybe your like

Medical News TodaySubscribeExplore more in Cequa

Key takeaways

Cequa is a brand-name eye drop prescribed for dry eye. Cequa contains the active ingredient cyclosporine and is a type of immunosuppressant.
The most commonly reported side effects of Cequa are eye pain and redness after applying the eye drops. These side effects are typically mild and temporary, and should improve on their own without treatment.
Cequa contains the same active ingredient as Restasis, which is another eye drop used for chronic dry eye. While the drugs are similar, only Restasis is approved for use in adults and certain children. Cequa is only approved for use in adults.

Cequa is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to help adults with dry eye produce more tears. The medical name for dry eye is keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

Dry eye can affect one or both eyes. If you have this condition, you may experience other symptoms besides dry eyes. They include burning, redness, or itching of the eyes, and sensitivity to light.

Cequa comes in eyedrop form as a liquid solution in single-use vials. Cequa is available in one strength of 0.09%, and you’ll likely use the medication twice per day.

»MORE:Get an online treatment plan or medication refill in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Cequa generic

Cequa is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Cequa contains the active ingredient cyclosporine in a strength of 0.09%. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Generic cyclosporine eye drops are available in other strengths. However, there isn’t a generic cyclosporine eye drop that’s an exact copy of Cequa.

In addition, cyclosporine comes in oral and injectable forms, but the FDA has not approved them to treat dry eye.

Cequa side effects

Cequa can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Cequa. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Cequa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may bother you.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while using Cequa and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of Cequa can include:

burning feeling in the eye
eye irritation
headache
inflammation of the eyelid
conjunctival hyperemia (eye redness caused by inflamed blood vessels in the eye)

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Cequa aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects can include a urinary tract infection.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Cequa can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Cequa, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

»MORE:Cequa side effects and how to manage them

Cequa dosage

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Cequa comes in eyedrop form as a liquid solution in single-use vials. Cequa is available in one strength: 0.09%.

Dosage for dry eye

The usual dosage of Cequa to treat dry eye is one drop into each affected eye twice per day. It’s best to separate the doses by 12 hours.

Be sure to discard your used Cequa vial after taking your dose. You shouldn’t reuse a Cequa vial, even if there’s some medication left. This is because the drug does not contain any preservatives to help keep Cequa fresh.

If you reuse a vial, it could become contaminated with bacteria, causing an infection in your eye.

How to use Cequa

You should use Cequa according to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions.

Cequa comes as an eye drop in single-dose vials. You’ll use one vial for each dose.

When administering a dose of Cequa, ensure that the tip of the vial doesn’t touch your eye or any other surfaces. The tip can become contaminated if it comes into contact with your eye or other surfaces. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter your eye. You can also injure your eye if you touch it with the vial tip.

Be sure to discard your used Cequa vial after giving your dose. You shouldn’t reuse a Cequa vial, even if there’s some medication left. This is because the drug does not contain any preservatives to help keep Cequa fresh. If you reuse a vial, it could become contaminated with bacteria, causing an infection in your eye.

»MORE:Cequa (cyclosporine) dosing schedule and details

Cequa price and coupons

As with all medications, the cost of Cequa can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Drug coupons: You may be able to find drug coupons on prescription discount websites that can reduce the cost of your medication. These coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits, but the discounted price may be lower than what you would pay through insurance.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Cequa or help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.A program called PhilRx is available for Cequa. PhilRx can help you get the lowest price for Cequa based on your insurance coverage. With a qualifying insurance plan, you may also be eligible for a Cequa Copay Card. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-268-1426 or visit the program website.

Generic version: Cequa is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. Generic cyclosporine eye drops are available in other strengths. However, no generic eye drop is an exact copy of Cequa.

»Learn more about saving on your prescriptions.

How Cequa works

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cequa to help adults with dry eye produce more tears.

Cequa increases the amount of tears that your eye produces. This helps prevent your eye from becoming dry. It also helps decrease the frequency and severity of dry eye symptoms.

It’s unknown exactly how Cequa works to treat dry eye. But it’s thought that the drug decreases the activity of the immune system.

With dry eye, the swelling in your eye may be due to an overactive immune system. When your immune system is less active, there may be less swelling. As a result, your eye may be able to produce more tears, decreasing the symptoms of dry eye.

»MORE: Learn more about how Cequa works, including how long it takes to work.

Cequa interactions

Cequa is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, or foods.

However, before starting Cequa treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common questions about Cequa

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Cequa.

Can I wear contacts while using Cequa?

You shouldn’t use Cequa eye drops when you have contact lenses in your eyes because the lenses can absorb the medication. Be sure to take out your contact lenses before using Cequa. Then wait at least 15 minutes before putting your contact lenses back in.If you have any questions about using Cequa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have any questions about using Cequa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Will I be able to use other eye drops during my Cequa treatment?

If you’re using any eye drops or eye medications, talk with your doctor before you start taking Cequa. You may have to space the timing of your doses so that all the medications work effectively. If you don’t space out your doses, one medication may wash out the other, and neither eye medication may work.You can use Cequa along with artificial tears for dry eye. If this applies to you, be sure to separate the timing of Cequa and artificial tear doses by at least 15 minutes.If you have any questions about the timing of any eye medications, including Cequa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You can use Cequa along with artificial tears for dry eye. If this applies to you, be sure to separate the timing of Cequa and artificial tear doses by at least 15 minutes.

If you have any questions about the timing of any eye medications, including Cequa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Why does Cequa come in single-use vials instead of a larger bottle?

Cequa comes in single-use vials instead of a larger multiuse bottle because the drug does not contain any preservatives.Preservatives help keep bacteria from growing in the bottle. If the bacteria enter your eye through an eye drop, they could cause an infection. Larger bottles that contain more than one dose typically have preservatives in them.Because Cequa doesn’t contain any preservatives, it comes in a single-use vial. Be sure to discard your used Cequa vial after taking your dose. You shouldn’t reuse a Cequa vial, even if there’s some medication left in the vial. Bacteria could form in or on the vial after the first use.

Cequa comes in single-use vials instead of a larger multiuse bottle because the drug does not contain any preservatives.

Preservatives help keep bacteria from growing in the bottle. If the bacteria enter your eye through an eye drop, they could cause an infection. Larger bottles that contain more than one dose typically have preservatives in them.

Because Cequa doesn’t contain any preservatives, it comes in a single-use vial. Be sure to discard your used Cequa vial after taking your dose. You shouldn’t reuse a Cequa vial, even if there’s some medication left in the vial. Bacteria could form in or on the vial after the first use.

Cequa precautions

Before using Cequa, discuss your health history with your doctor. Cequa may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

contact lenses
previous allergic reaction to Cequa or any of its ingredients
pregnancy or breastfeeding

»MORE:Cequa and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control

Cequa vs. Restasis

You may wonder how Cequa compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. The following table looks at how Cequa and Restasis are alike and different.

Cequa	Restasis
Active ingredient	cyclosporine	cyclosporine
Use	chronic dry eye in adults	chronic dry eye in adults and children ages 16 years and older
Form	eye drops in a single-use vial	eye drops in a:• single-use vial• multi-use vial (Restasis MultiDose)
Strength	0.09%	0.05%
Dosage	twice per day	twice per day

»Get a more detailed comparison of Cequa vs. Restasis, including details about their side effects and cost.

Other alternatives to Cequa

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Cequa, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Alternatives for dry eye

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat dry eye include:

cyclosporine 0.05% (Restasis)
lifitegrast (Xiidra)
artificial tears (Systane, Refresh, TheraTears)
hydroxypropyl cellulose (Lacrisert)

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Dry Eye
Eye Health / Blindness
Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Drugs

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Cequa (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.09%, for topical ophthalmic use. (2022).https://cequapro.com/pdf/CequaPI.pdf
de Oliveira, R. C., & Wilson, S. E. (2019). Practical guidance for the use of cyclosporine ophthalmic solutions in the management of dry eye disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6612764/
Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution), for topical ophthalmic use. (2023). https://pi.bausch.com/globalassets/pdf/packageinserts/pharma/xiidra-prescribing-information.pdf

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Alyssa Walton, PharmD — Written by Jennifer Mitri Williamson, PharmD — Updated on January 30, 2026

Latest news

Is this why dementia affects more women? How menopause alters the brain
Low dose aspirin does not reduce cancer risk in older adults, long-term study finds
Can treating rheumatoid arthritis before it sets in help delay its onset?
Night owls may have a higher cardiovascular risk: Here's why
Low vitamin D may increase respiratory infection risk by as much as 33%

Related Coverage

Blincyto (blinatumomab)
Blincyto is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Learn about side effects, cost, dosage, how it works, and more.
READ MORE
Xiidra (lifitegrast)Medically reviewed by Amber R. Watson, PharmD
Xiidra (lifitegrast) is a brand-name prescription drug that’s used to treat dry eye syndrome. Learn about side effects, cost, dosage, uses, and more.
READ MORE
Apriso (mesalamine)
Apriso (mesalamine) is a prescription drug that's used to treat ulcerative colitis in adults. Learn about dosage, side effects, alternatives, uses…
READ MORE
Xiidra interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors
Learn about possible Xiidra interactions with alcohol, other drugs, supplements, foods, and more.
READ MORE
Can you use contact solution as eye drops?
Find out whether you can use contact solution as eye drops, what the risks are, and what to do if contact solution gets into the eyes here.
READ MORE

Tag » Why Is Cequa So Expensive

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us

Related Topics

Side Effects

Related Articles

Cost

Related Articles

Management

Related Articles

Dosage

Related Articles

Interactions

Related Articles

Key takeaways

Cequa generic

Cequa side effects

Mild side effects

Serious side effects

Allergic reaction

Ways to manage

Cequa dosage

Drug forms and strengths

Dosage for dry eye

How to use Cequa

Cequa price and coupons

How Cequa works

Cequa interactions

Common questions about Cequa

Can I wear contacts while using Cequa?

Will I be able to use other eye drops during my Cequa treatment?

Why does Cequa come in single-use vials instead of a larger bottle?

Cequa precautions

Cequa vs. Restasis

Other alternatives to Cequa

Alternatives for dry eye

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

Related Coverage

Contact