Cequa ophthalmic solution for dry eye treatment

Cequa is a preservative-free ophthalmic solution containing cyclosporine 0.09%, used topically in the eyes to increase tear production in patients suffering from keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye disease.

Cequa is indicated to increase tear production in adult patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), a condition where tear production is presumed to be suppressed due to ocular inflammation.

cyclosporine 0.09%

Cequa contains cyclosporine, a calcineurin inhibitor that acts as an immunosuppressant. When applied to the eyes, it is thought to partially modulate the immune response related to inflammation that decreases tear production in dry eye disease. However, the precise way it works in this condition is not fully understood.

Adults: Instill one drop of Cequa twice daily, about 12 hours apart, into each eye.

Administration instructions: Cequa can be used alongside artificial tears if desired, but wait at least 15 minutes between applying the two products. The solution comes in single-use vials that should be discarded immediately after using in both eyes. Do not touch the vial tip to the eye or any surface to avoid contamination or eye injury.

Contact lenses: Remove contact lenses before applying Cequa and wait at least 15 minutes after instillation before reinserting lenses.

None reported.

• Do not touch the tip of the vial to your eye or other surfaces to prevent injury and contamination.
• Do not administer Cequa while wearing contact lenses; remove lenses before use and wait 15 minutes before reinserting.

The most common side effects are related to the eye, including pain on instillation (22%) and conjunctival hyperemia (redness) (6%). Other less common adverse reactions (1% to 5%) include blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), eye irritation, headache, and urinary tract infection.

Pregnancy

There are no adequate or well-controlled studies of Cequa use in pregnant women. Animal studies indicate no teratogenic effects at doses much higher than those used in humans, but maternal toxicity and increased postnatal mortality were observed only at extremely high oral doses far above the ophthalmic dose range.

Lactation

It is not known whether cyclosporine is present in human milk after topical ocular use. Animal data suggest oral cyclosporine is not harmful during lactation at clinically relevant doses. Consider the benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother's needs and potential risks.

Store Cequa single-use vials in the original foil pouch at controlled room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Keep out of reach of children.