Drug Class: Miscellaneous ophthalmic agents
Active Ingredient: Cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09%
Generic Name: Cyclosporine (ophthalmic)
Brand Name: Cequa®
Company: Originally developed and marketed by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; currently manufactured by multiple international generic pharmaceutical companies
Dosage Form:
Ophthalmic solution
Drug Form: Capsule
Tablet Description: Cyclosporine is a cyclic polypeptide immunosuppressant consisting of 11 amino acids, with the molecular formula C₆₂H₁₁₁N₁₁O₁₂. Pharmacological description: Cyclosporine acts as a calcineurin inhibitor that suppresses T-lymphocyte activation and reduces inflammatory cytokine production on the ocular surface, leading to increased tear production in patients with dry eye disease associated with ocular inflammation.
What is 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.
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.
Before taking this medicine
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.
How should I use Cequa?
Use Cequa eye drops exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Use the medicine about every 12 hours. Remove contact lenses first.
Wash your hands before using eye medication.
To apply the eye drops: Tilt your head back slightly and pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze a drop into this pocket. Close your eyes for 1 or 2 minutes.
Use only the number of drops your doctor has prescribed.
Wait at least 15 minutes before inserting contact lenses or using artificial tears.
Do not touch the tip of the eye dropper or place it directly on your eye. A contaminated dropper can infect your eye, which could lead to serious vision problems.
Cequa eye drops should be clear and colorless.
Each single-use bottle is for one use only (in both eyes). Throw the bottle away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Store at room temperature. Store Cequa single-use vials in their original foil pouch.
Dosing information
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
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of Cequa is not expected to be dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medication.
What should I avoid while using Cequa eye drops?
It may be best not to wear contact lenses if you have dry eyes. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.
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.
