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Cequa vs. Restasis

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Cequa

(cyclosporine)

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Cyclosporine

(Restasis)

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Summary for Cequa

Prescription only

Cequa (cyclosporine) is an eye drop that helps relieve signs and symptoms of dry eye. It works best when used every day, twice a day, for at least 3 months. After using a dose, the vial will need to be thrown away since it doesn't contain any preservatives. The most common side effects include eye pain and eye redness. It's only available as a brand medication, so a generic version is not available.

Indications for Cequa

Pros and Cons for Cequa

Pros

Cons

  • Can cause eye pain during application
  • It's not clear whether this medication is safe or works well for children
  • Can't be used with contact lenses

Common Side Effects for Cequa

  • Eye pain (22%)
  • Eye redness (6%)

Warnings for Cequa

  • Eye injury or infection
  • Use with contact lenses

Summary for Restasis

Prescription only

Cyclosporine eye drops, also known by the brand names Restasis and Restasis MultiDose, treat dry eye in people 16 years and older. It's an immunosuppressant called a calcineurin inhibitor, and it helps with tear production. Cyclosporine (Restasis) comes in single-use vials and multi-dose bottles. Only the single-use vials have a generic version. The eye drops are used twice every day. The most common side effect is a burning feeling in the eye, which usually gets better as you continue to use the medication.

Indications for Restasis

  • Dry eye in people 16 years and older

Pros and Cons for Restasis

Pros

  • Helps your eye make its own tears
  • Can use with other lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears
  • Available as single-use vials and multi-dose bottles

Cons

  • Need to use twice a day
  • Can take a long time (up to 6 months) to see improvement in dry eyes
  • Commonly causes a burning sensation in the eye

Common Side Effects for Restasis

  • Burning sensation in the eye (17%)

Warnings for Restasis

  • For use in the eye only
  • Avoid use with contact lenses

Prices with our coupons for Cequa vs. Restasis

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Cequa1 box / 60 vials of 0.09%
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Price Card Drug Icon
Cyclosporine1 package / 60 vials of 0.4ml
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