Generic name: cyclosporine ophthalmic (SYE kloe SPOR een off THAL mik)
Brand name: Cequa
Drug class: Ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents
Cequa (cyclosporine) 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.
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.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Cequa?
Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.