Can I use artificial tears with Cequa?

Often yes. Separate drops by several minutes, or follow your doctor's timing plan.

Why does Cequa burn when I use it?

Stinging or pain when the drop goes in is a known side effect. Tell your doctor if it is severe or does not improve.

Can I wear contacts with Cequa?

The label says not to use Cequa while wearing contact lenses. Remove lenses first and follow your doctor's timing before reinserting them [1] .

Does Cequa cure dry eye?

No. It can control inflammation and help tear production for some people, but dry eye often needs ongoing care.

Treatment

Cequa / Cyclosporine 0.09%

Also known as Cequa, Cyclosporine 0.09%, OTX-101, Cyclosporine Eye Drops, Dry Eye Prescription Drops

Updated May 16, 2026·For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Cequa is a prescription cyclosporine eye drop for dry eye. It works slowly by calming surface inflammation and helping tear production.

Cequa is cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09%. The prescribing information lists it to increase tear production in keratoconjunctivitis sicca, also called dry eye ¹.

Cyclosporine is not a quick lubricant. It is used for chronic dry eye where inflammation is part of the problem. A phase 3 randomized study evaluated cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09% for dry eye disease ².

The label dosing is one drop in each eye twice daily, about 12 hours apart. Burning or pain when the drop goes in is a common side effect ¹.

How It Works

Cyclosporine calms immune activity on the eye surface. This can help some eyes make more tears over time.

A phase 3 randomized study of cyclosporine ophthalmic solution 0.09% evaluated signs and symptoms of dry eye disease ².

Side Effects

The label lists pain when the drop goes in and eye redness as common adverse reactions ¹.

Call your doctor for severe pain, swelling, discharge, rash, or a new vision drop. Do not touch the vial tip to the eye or skin.

Cost and Insurance

Cequa is a brand-name prescription drop. Coverage varies by pharmacy benefit plan.

Your plan may require prior authorization.
Some plans ask patients to try other dry eye treatments first.
Manufacturer savings programs may lower copays for eligible patients.
Ask about alternatives if the covered price is too high.

Common Questions About Cequa

It is not a same-day lubricant. Many doctors judge response over weeks to months.

Next Steps

1Ask whether your dry eye looks inflammatory.
2Use Cequa consistently if your doctor prescribes it.
3Keep using artificial tears if your doctor recommends them.
4Track stinging, redness, and symptom change over several weeks.
5Ask the pharmacy about coverage before pickup.

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