Cyclosporine


DNX0319.HTM

Cyclosporine (By mouth)
Cyclosporine (SYE-kloe-spor-een)

Helps to prevent organ rejection after a kidney, liver, or heart transplant. Also treats rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Brand Name(s):Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to cyclosporine, or if you have certain kidney problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or cancer.

How to Use This Medicine:
Capsule, Liquid

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. Take this medicine at the same time(s) every day. You may take this medicine with or without food, just be sure to take it the same way every day in relationship to your meals.
  • It is important that you do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.
  • This medicine may be used with other medicines that prevent organ rejection. Take all other medicines your doctor prescribed as part of your combination treatment.
  • To measure the oral liquid, use the measuring device provided with the medicine, or use a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • Mix the oral liquid in a drinking glass, not a plastic cup. You can mix it with apple or orange juice to make it taste better. Do not mix it with very cold or hot drinks. Stir well, and drink your medicine right away. Rinse the glass with more juice or water and drink that too, so you get all of the medicine.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Keep the medicine in the original container. Store at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Do not keep this medicine in the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Once the bottle of oral liquid is opened, it is good for 2 months. After that, throw it away.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Tell your doctor if you are using medicine that weakens the immune system such as methylprednisolone (Decadron®) or other steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking medicine to treat HIV or AIDS. Tell your doctor if you are taking a medicine for inflammation, pain, or arthritis (such as azapropazon, colchicine, diclofenac, naproxen, sulindac, Clinoril®, Naprosyn®, or Voltaren®).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using water pills (such as spironolactone, triamterene, or Aldactone®) or medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, Depakote®, Dilantin®, Tegretol®, or Trileptal®). Tell your doctor if you are also using melphalan (Alkeran®), sirolimus (Rapamune®), tacrolimus (Protopic®), or medicine that can be hard on your kidneys. Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine for your heart or blood pressure (such as diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil, Calan®, Cardene®, Cardizem®, Isoptin®, Lotrel®, Procardia®, or Verelan®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are also receiving medicine or treatment for psoriasis, such as PUVA or UVB therapy, methotrexate (Rheumatrex®), or coal tar therapy.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines to treat infections (such as azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, nafcillin, quinupristin/dalfopristin, rifabutin, rifampin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tobramycin, vancomycin, Bactrim®, Biaxin®, Cipro®, Cotrim®, E-mycin®, Ery-tab®, Garamycin®, Mycobutin®, Nebcin®, Rifadin®, Septra®, Synercid®, Unipen®, or Vancocin®) or for fungal infections (such as amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine, voriconazole, Diflucan®, Fungizone®, Lamisil®, Nizoral®, Sporanox®, or Vfend®). Tell your doctor if you are using stomach medicine (such as cimetidine, ranitidine, Pepcid®, Tagamet®, or Zantac®).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using birth control pills, medicine to lower cholesterol (such as atorvastatin, bezafibrate, fenofibrate, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, Bezalip®, Lescol®, Lipitor®, Pravachol®, Tricor®, or Zocor®), allopurinol (Zyloprim®), amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®), bosentan (Tracleer®), bromocriptine (Parlodel®), danazol (Danocrine®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), imatinib (Gleevec®), metoclopramide (Reglan®), octreotide (Sandostatin®), orlistat (Xenical®), sulfinpyrazone (Anturane®), or ticlopidine (Ticlid®).
  • Do not take anything containing St. John's Wort while you are using this medicine.
  • There are many other drugs that can interact with cyclosporine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
  • Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.
  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have ever been treated for psoriasis. Tell your doctor if you have cancer, a history of liver disease, kidney problems, or high blood pressure. Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart problems, high cholesterol, or any other medical problems.
  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Also, avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as staying out in the sun for long periods of time.
  • This medicine may increase your risk of developing other rare but serious conditions, such as certain types of cancer. This medicine may also cause an increase in your blood pressure.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
  • This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blood in your urine, or a change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat, high blood pressure, or new or worsening swelling.
  • Dark-colored urine, pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or pain in your upper stomach.
  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches.
  • Hearing loss or ringing in your ears.
  • New or worsening numbness, tingling, or loss of movement anywhere in your body.
  • Seizures, confusion, or severe changes in mood or behavior.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
  • Vision changes.
  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
  • Yellowing of your eyes or skin.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Acne, or excess growth of hair around your lips, over your chin, chest, hands, or legs.
  • Headache, joint pain, or muscle aches.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
  • Swelling and bleeding of your gums.
  • Tremors (shaking).

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.