Cequa (cyclosporine) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat dry eye. The drug comes as a liquid solution that you use as eye drops usually twice per day.
Cequa is approved for use in adults to treat dry eye. The active ingredient in Cequa is cyclosporine. Cequa belongs to a group of drugs called calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressants.
This article describes the dosage of Cequa, as well as its strength and how to use it. To learn more about Cequa, see this in-depth article.
This section describes the usual dosage of Cequa eye drops. Keep reading to learn more.
What’s Cequa’s form?
Cequa is available as an eye drop in single-use vials.
What strength does Cequa come in?
Cequa comes in one strength of 0.9 milligrams (mg) per milliliter (mL) of solution. This may also be referred to as 0.09% solution.
What are the usual dosages of Cequa?
The information below describes the dosage that’s commonly used or recommended. Be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for dry eye
The typical Cequa dosage for adults with dry eye is one drop in each eye twice per day. The doses should be given every 12 hours.
If you have questions about your dosage of Cequa, talk with your doctor to learn more.
How to use Cequa eye drops
Cequa comes in single-use vials. Using one vial, you place one drop of Cequa in each eye and then dispose of the vial. For your next dose, you’ll use a new vial of Cequa. Try to give your doses of Cequa about 12 hours apart.
Do not touch the tip of the Cequa vials to your eye or any other surface.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how to use Cequa.
Note: If you wear contact lenses, remove your contact lenses before applying a dose of Cequa in your eyes. After the drops, wait 15 minutes before replacing your contact lenses.
Is Cequa used long term?
Yes, Cequa is usually used as a long-term treatment. You and your doctor can determine whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you agree that it is, you’ll likely use it long term.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Cequa’s dosage.
How do the dosages of Cequa vs. Restasis compare?
The forms and how often you use each drug are similar. Cyclosporine is the active ingredient in Cequa and Restasis. Both drugs are eye drops that you use twice per day for chronic dry eyes. Restasis also comes as generic version of cyclosporine eye drops.
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs. Cequa comes as a liquid solution in a strength of 0.9 mg/mL, or 0.09%. Restasis comes as an emulsion (a mixture containing water and oil components) in a strength of 0.5 mg/mL, or 0.05%.
Cequa comes as single-use vials. Restasis comes in two forms: single-use vials and multidose vials.
Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you. They also can help you learn more about how these drugs compare.
How long does it take for Cequa to start working?
Cequa is used to treat chronic dry eye. It helps produce more tears to improve dry eyes and related symptoms such as burning, blurred vision, or redness. How quickly you notice an improvement in your symptoms may be based on the severity of your condition.
If your condition is mild, you may notice improvement within a month of starting Cequa. But
Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition. They also can answer other questions about what you can expect from Cequa treatment.
Do not use more Cequa than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you use too much Cequa
Call your doctor if you think you’ve used too much Cequa. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline 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 another 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.