We’ve got a new dry eye med to prescribe. The FDA just approved Cequa (“see-qwa”), a prescription eye drop indicated to increase tear production in patients with dry eye.
What’s in it?
It’s cyclosporin 0.09%.
How is this different than Restasis?
Two main ways: the concentration and the vehicle in which cyclosporin is delivered.
1. Restasis is cyclosporin 0.05%, so Cequa is a stronger concentration of cyclosporin.
2. Cequa’s vehicle is a “nanomicellular formulation” which allows for better penetration through the aqueous layer.
Tell me about the clinical trials.
Over 1,000 patients were included in the two trials (phase 2/3 and phase 3) and were given either Cequa or the vehicle for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, Cequa showed an improvement in Schirmer’s score.
Does this work faster than Restasis?
According to their results, yes. The company states, “improvements in ocular staining assessments were seen as early as 1 month after initiating treatment.”
What is the dosing?
Cequa’s dosing is BID and packaged in single use preservative-free vials.
Any side effects?
The biggest one was pain on instillation (22%) and redness (6%).
When can I prescribe it?
It’s not available yet but more info will come later this year.
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