Uses
What is Cequa used for?
Cequa (cyclosporine) is commonly used to treat dry eyes.
Cequa may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Cequa work (mechanism of action)?
Cequa is a type of medicine called a calcineurin inhibitor. It decreases swelling (inflammation) in the eye, which allows the eyes to produce more tears.
Learn more about How Cequa Works for Dry Eyes.
How is Cequa supplied (dosage forms)?
Cequa is available as a 0.09% eye drop.
How should I store Cequa?
Cequa should be stored in a cool, dry place at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It comes in single-use vials, which are packaged in a foil pouch. Keep the vials in the foil patch until use. Once a vial is open, it must be used right away. After use, the vial and any remaining medicine should be thrown away.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Cequa?
The most common side effects of Cequa are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Eye pain
- Eye redness
There may be other side effects of Cequa that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Cequa?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Cequa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Cequa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Cequa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Cequa?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Cequa.
- Cequa
- Cyclosporine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Cequa.
What should I know about Cequa before using it?
Do not use Cequa unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Cequa with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Cequa out of the reach of children.
This medicine is an eyedrop. Each dose is provided in a separate vial. To reduce the risk of eye injury or infection, it is important not to touch the tip of the vial to the eye while applying the drops. It is also important not to reuse any of the vials. Once you have opened a vial, use it right away. Then throw away the vial and any medicine left inside of it.
Cequa should not be used while wearing contact lenses. Wait 15 minutes after using Cequa to place your contact lenses back into your eyes.
If you use another type of eye drop called artificial tears, don’t apply these drops within 15 minutes before or after applying Cequa eye drops.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Cequa?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Cequa is right for you.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Cequa could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Cequa passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Cequa while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Cequa?
For more information about Cequa, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.cequa.com or call them at 800-818-4555.
Interactions
Does Cequa interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Cequa and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Cequa.
Does Cequa interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Cequa and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Cequa?
If you or someone else has used too much Cequa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Cequa?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses.