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Cequa vs. Xiidra

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

Cequa

(cyclosporine)

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Xiidra

(lifitegrast)

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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 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

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

Price Card Drug Icon
Cequa1 box / 60 vials of 0.09%
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Price Card Drug Icon
Xiidra1 carton / 60 ampules of 5%
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