Cequa vs. Xiidra for Dry Eye: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Cequa

(cyclosporine)

Xiidra

(lifitegrast)

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

Dry eyes in adults

Pros and Cons for Cequa

Pros

Helps your body produce its own tears
Can be used with other lubricating eye drops, such as artificial tears
Designed to deliver more medication to the affected area

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 Xiidra

Prescription only

Xiidra (lifitegrast) is an eye drop medication that treats dry eye in adults. It belongs to a drug class called LFA-1 antagonists. It's thought to help lower inflammation and other symptoms of dry eye. Usually, you need to use Xiidra (lifitegrast) every day. You put 1 drop into each eye twice a day. Side effects include temporary eye irritation and unclear vision. At this time, Xiidra (lifitegrast) is available only as a brand medication. There's no generic version yet.

Indications for Xiidra

Dry eye

Pros and Cons for Xiidra

Pros

Works to help treat dry eye in the long run
Might be less likely to cause burning in the eyes than Restasis (cyclosporine)

Cons

Won't give you instant relief and have to take for a couple weeks before it starts working
Not approved for people younger than 17 years old

Common Side Effects for Xiidra

Eye irritation (5-25%)
Strange taste in the mouth (5-25%)
Unclear vision (5-25%)

Warnings for Xiidra

Risk of contamination

Prices with our coupons for Cequa vs. Xiidra

Cequa1 box / 60 vials of 0.09%

$618.05$950.79

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Xiidra1 carton / 60 ampules of 5%

$705.38$983.10

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Cequa vs. Xiidra

Cequa

Xiidra

Summary for Cequa

Indications for Cequa

Pros and Cons for Cequa

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cequa

Warnings for Cequa

Summary for Xiidra

Indications for Xiidra

Pros and Cons for Xiidra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xiidra

Warnings for Xiidra

Prices with our coupons for Cequa vs. Xiidra

Compare other Dry Eye drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Cequa

Xiidra

Summary for Cequa

Indications for Cequa

Pros and Cons for Cequa

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Cequa

Warnings for Cequa

Summary for Xiidra

Indications for Xiidra

Pros and Cons for Xiidra

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Xiidra

Warnings for Xiidra