Key takeaways
Cequa (cyclosporine) and Xiidra (lifitegrast) are both eye drop medications used to treat dry eye in adults. They are not in the same medication class, though. Cequa is an immunosuppressant and a calcineurin inhibitor, while Xiidra is an LFA-1 antagonist. Both medications are used twice a day, but they work differently to reduce inflammation in the eyes. Cequa helps your eyes produce more tears by blocking calcineurin, while Xiidra blocks a protein called LFA-1 to lower inflammation. Cequa is only available as a brand medication and does not have a generic version, similar to Xiidra. Common side effects of Cequa include eye pain and redness, whereas Xiidra can cause eye irritation, a strange taste in the mouth, and unclear vision. Both medications require careful handling to avoid contamination and should not be used with contact lenses in place.
