Common Use

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that lowers the body's immune response. The immune system defends against infections but may also reject transplanted organs like the liver or kidney, treating them as invaders. Cyclosporine is prescribed to prevent organ rejection after kidney, liver, or heart transplants.

Dosage and Direction

Take cyclosporine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not exceed the prescribed amount or duration. You may take it with or without food, but maintain consistency in how you take it. Cyclosporine is typically divided into two daily doses. Try to take it at the same times each day. Use a dose-measuring spoon or cup for liquid medication, not a regular tablespoon.

Precautions

Protect your skin from sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds while using cyclosporine, as it increases sensitivity to UV rays and may cause sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) outdoors. If you're being treated for psoriasis, avoid light therapy (PUVA or UVB) or radiation treatments while on cyclosporine. Inform all healthcare providers about your cyclosporine use.

Contraindications

Do not use cyclosporine if you're allergic to it or have the following conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Any type of cancer

Special care is required if you have:

• Psoriasis treated with PUVA, UVB, radiation, methotrexate, or coal tar
• Current use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, or others

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, as cyclosporine may affect unborn babies or pass into breast milk.

Possible Side Effects

Seek emergency medical help if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Serious side effects include:

• Reduced urination
• Drowsiness, confusion, mood changes, increased thirst
• Swelling, weight gain, shortness of breath
• Blurred vision, headache, vomiting
• Seizures, muscle pain, fast heart rate, light-headedness
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, sore throat
• Pale skin, bruising, weakness
• Nausea, stomach pain, itching, dark urine, jaundice

Less serious side effects may include:

• Tremors or shaking
• Increased hair growth
• Headache or body pain
• Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting
• Numbness or tingling

This is not a full list of side effects. Contact your doctor for medical advice.

Drug Interaction

Cyclosporine may interact with many medications. Inform your doctor about all drugs you are taking, especially:

• Etoposide, lithium, methotrexate, nefazodone, repaglinide, St. John's wort
• ACE inhibitors like benazepril, captopril, enalapril, or others
• Blood pressure medications like candesartan, losartan, valsartan, or others
• Medicines for ulcerative colitis, such as mesalamine or sulfasalazine
• Other immunosuppressants like sirolimus or tacrolimus
• Pain or arthritis medications like aspirin, acetaminophen, or NSAIDs
• IV antibiotics like amphotericin B, gentamicin, vancomycin, or others
• Antiviral medicines like adefovir or cidofovir
• Cancer medications like cisplatin, oxaliplatin, or tretinoin

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, or reduced urination.

Storage

Store cyclosporine at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Disclaimer

This information provides a general overview of cyclosporine and does not cover all directions, drug interactions, or precautions. It should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance tailored to your condition. We are not responsible for any errors or consequences resulting from the use of this information.