Updates for Canadians, Cequa [topical cyclosporine 0.09%] is now available!

[deep_dry_eye]

Hello Canadians.

I just want to give a few updates. Cequa [topical cyclosporine 0.09%] is now available in Canada!!! It is a replacement for restasis, both have cyclosporine as the active ingredient, but Cequa is higher concentration and better delivery vehicle (gets the drugs to where your eyes needs it!).

It is now available at Shoppers Drug Mart [you will need to tell the pharmacists, its in their supplier, and check the secondary supplier not the primary one].

Ask your doctor for a prescription.

[Jox]

Is cequa better than Verkazia?

[deep_dry_eye]

Is cequa better than Verkazia?

Unclear. I suspect it to be better than Verkazia [aka Ikervis]. Unfortunately the only way to know is to try and find out.

The reason why I say it might be better than Verkazia, is that Ikervis [exactly same formulation as Verkazia] was rejected by Health Canada for dry eyes due to insufficient evidence. Verkazia was approved for allergic reactions [not dry eyes].

You can read more here [which includes links to Health Canada]:
https://forum.dryeyezone.com/forum/d...tion-in-canada

[Jox]

My specialist recommended verkazia 4x a day.I don't have allergies.Aswell, as using hydrosense every 2hrs apart.I have Blurry vision, moderate to dry eye syndrome, Blepharitis and poor tear film and inflammation.

[deep_dry_eye]

You may want to reach our to your specialist to see if Cequa will be better. They should know about Cequa. Which province/city are you in?

[Jox]

Grimbsy, Ontario Canada.Ty

[Jox]

Is cequa reasonably priced or covered under ODSP?

[deep_dry_eye]

Shoppers Drug Mart price is 237.87 + 11.99 (dispensing fee) = $249.86 / month.

I don't know for ODSP.


If price is a concern, there is a generic version of cyclosporine available in Canada.

Topical azithromcyin (compounded by your pharmacy) is also cheap if price is a concern. See https://dryeyetoronto.com/dry-eye-specialists.html

[Jox]

Ty for your response