Cequa® Ophthalmic Solution 0.09% for Dry Eye Disease

What Cequa® Is and How It Works

Cequa is a prescription cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09% used to increase tear production in people with dry eye disease. It is not an artificial tear. It works on ocular surface inflammation so your eyes can produce more of their own tears. For many, ordering Cequa at Canadian prices helps with the cequa cost without insurance.

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Cequa contains the active ingredient cyclosporine in a nanomicellar vehicle designed to help the medicine reach the ocular surface. The usual dosing is one drop in each affected eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart. The formulation is supplied in single-use vials. It can be used with preservative-free artificial tears, separated by at least 15 minutes. Do not instill while wearing contact lenses; remove lenses first and wait 15 minutes before reinserting.

By inhibiting calcineurin, cyclosporine reduces T‑cell activity on the eye surface. This helps restore tear film quantity and quality over time. Cequa eye drops are intended for long-term management, as benefits build gradually with consistent use.

Dosage and Usage

• Wash hands before opening a single-use vial.
• Gently shake the vial, twist off the cap, and avoid touching the tip.
• Tilt head back, pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket.
• Instill one drop into the affected eye. Repeat for the other eye if prescribed.
• Close eyes gently. Do not blink hard or rub.
• Perform punctal occlusion if instructed by a clinician.
• Discard the vial immediately after use; do not reuse.
• Use twice daily, about 12 hours apart.
• If using other eye drops, separate by at least 15 minutes; apply gels/ointments last.
• Contact lenses should be removed before dosing and reinserted after 15 minutes.
• Missed dose: instill when remembered unless close to the next dose; do not double.

• Store vials at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are typically acceptable.
• Keep vials in the original foil pouch to protect from light.
• Do not freeze. Do not use if the pouch or vials are damaged.
• Travel: carry in original packaging in a cool, dry place; avoid leaving in a hot car.
• For flights, keep in your carry-on with prescription documentation.
• Dispose of opened vials safely, away from children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Cequa eye drops increase natural tear production and help stabilize the tear film. Patients often report less burning, stinging, and irritation as the ocular surface improves. The twice-daily dosing is straightforward, and single-use vials avoid preservatives.

Typical savings can reach 60–80% versus common US retail pricing. That can make a meaningful difference for long-term therapy. If paying cash, many people find cequa eye drops price more manageable through Canadian pharmacy channels, even without insurance. Multi-month supplies and periodic bulk promotions can reduce the per‑month cost, and optional reorder reminders help you avoid gaps.

We work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications across a wide selection at affordable pricing.

For extra value, see our cequa coupon options on the promotions page.

Side Effects and Safety

• Temporary instillation-site pain or irritation
• Eye redness (conjunctival hyperemia)
• Watery eyes or mild tearing
• Temporary blurred vision after dosing
• Foreign body sensation
• Itching or burning
• Dryness or discomfort
• Headache (less common)

Serious reactions are uncommon. Stop use and seek medical care for signs of allergy (eye swelling, severe redness, rash), vision changes that persist, or symptoms of an eye infection (increasing pain, discharge, marked sensitivity to light). Do not use while wearing contact lenses. Safety in certain pediatric populations may be limited. Discuss use during pregnancy or breastfeeding with a clinician. This product is contraindicated in those with hypersensitivity to cyclosporine or any components of the solution.

Onset Time

Cequa is a disease-modifying treatment. Some notice symptom relief within several weeks, but meaningful gains in tear production often appear between 4 and 12 weeks as dosing stabilizes. Continued daily use supports further improvements through three months and beyond. Artificial tears may still be needed during the early phase while the ocular surface heals.

Compare With Alternatives

Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) is another prescription option dosed twice daily. Cequa 0.09% uses a nanomicellar delivery system, which is designed to improve penetration to ocular tissues. Some patients respond better to one formulation than another due to differences in vehicle and concentration.

Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5%) targets a different pathway (LFA‑1/ICAM‑1 interaction) and is also dosed twice daily. It may help with symptoms rapidly for some users, though taste disturbance and temporary blurred vision can occur.

Tyrvaya (varenicline solution nasal spray) stimulates tear production via trigeminal parasympathetic pathways. It avoids eye instillation entirely, which some find convenient. Choice among these medications depends on clinical response, tolerability, and cequa eye drops cost considerations.

Combination Therapy

• Preservative-free artificial tears as needed between Cequa doses (separate by 15 minutes).
• Lid hygiene and warm compresses to support meibomian gland function.
• Short induction course of an ophthalmic corticosteroid may be considered under clinician supervision.
• Punctal plugs for tear conservation if appropriate.
• Manage screen time and environmental triggers to reduce evaporation.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Cequa medication is intended for patients with dry eye disease who need to increase tear production. It should not be used during an active eye infection. Those with a known allergy to cyclosporine or solution components should avoid it. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before each dose and wait 15 minutes before reinsertion. Report new or persistent visual symptoms to an eye care professional.

To lower cequa eye drops cost, consider a 2–3 month supply when appropriate, as bulk pricing can reduce monthly spend. Reorder reminders help prevent running out. If paying out of pocket, many find Cequa cost without insurance more manageable at Canadian pricing levels. Cequa is a brand product; a true generic may not be available in all markets. The active cequa ingredients include cyclosporine 0.09% in a nanomicellar vehicle; consult the package insert for the full list of excipients.

Authoritative Sources

Review the manufacturer details on the CEQUA patient website (Sun Ophthalmics). For professional labeling, see the FDA Prescribing Information for Cequa 0.09% ophthalmic solution. You may also consult the Drugs@FDA Listing for Cequa (Application 210913).

Order Cequa® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This page is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.