Cyclosporine
About Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is a solution or suspension prescribed to prevent organ rejection after a kidney, liver, or heart transplant. It is also used to treat severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis when other treatments have not worked. By calming the body's natural defence system, it helps protect new organs or reduce painful joint swelling and skin irritation.
To get the best results, you must take Cyclosporine consistently every day at the same times. Taking it on a regular schedule keeps a steady level of the medicine in your blood. You can take it with or without food, but you must choose one way and do it the exact same way with every dose. Making simple lifestyle choices, such as wearing sun protection and practising thorough dental care, can also help manage the therapy safely.
While taking Cyclosporine, you may experience some common side effects like shaking hands, increased hair growth, or mild stomach upset. However, it is vital to contact your doctor immediately if you experience signs of kidney problems, liver damage, or unusual infections.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, or a current infection. Do not take this if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have severe kidney issues not related to your transplant, psoriasis, or arthritis.
Cyclosporine can interact with many other medicines, which can increase the risk of side effects or reduce how well it works. Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking while using this medicine, as they can alter its effectiveness and increase strain on your body. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits before starting.
Uses of Cyclosporine
Treatment of Psoriasis: Cyclosporine is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It helps reduce rapid skin cell growth and inflammation caused by psoriasis.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Cyclosporine is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It helps reduce pain and inflammation in the joints and slows down joint damage.
Medicinal Benefits
Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system to help prevent organ rejection after transplantation and to manage certain autoimmune diseases. It helps protect transplanted organs while reducing inflammation in conditions caused by an overactive immune system.
- Helps Prevent Organ Rejection: Reduces the risk of the immune system attacking a transplanted kidney, liver, heart, or other transplanted organ.
- Controls Autoimmune Diseases: Helps reduce inflammation and immune system activity in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and certain eye disorders.
- Relieves Symptoms: Helps reduce joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and skin inflammation, improving comfort and mobility.
- Supports Long-Term Disease Control: Regular use helps maintain stable disease control and reduces the frequency of disease flare-ups.
- Improves Quality of Life: By protecting transplanted organs and controlling autoimmune conditions, it supports better daily functioning and overall well-being.
Directions for Use
- Cyclosporine can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Check the label for directions and use as advised by your doctor.
- Measure the prescribed dose of Cyclosporine using the dosing syringe. Mix it with apple or orange juice, stir well, and drink immediately.
- Do not store the prepared mixture for later use.
Storage
Side Effects of Cyclosporine
Common Side Effects (Usually mild)
- Mild shaking or trembling in the hands
- Increased growth of body or facial hair
- Upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhoea
- Swollen or tender gums
- Headaches or mild dizziness
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away)
- Signs of kidney issues, such as urinating less than usual or swelling in your ankles and feet
- Signs of liver damage, including yellowing of your eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe stomach pain
- Signs of an infection, such as fever, chills, persistent sore throat, or unusual tiredness
- High blood pressure, which may cause a severe headache, buzzing in your ears, or vision changes
- Allergic reactions, such as a severe skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the Medicine Before Use: If using the oral solution, a slight cloudiness or small particles may be normal. Do not use it if you notice unusual colour changes, heavy clumping, or signs of contamination.
- Handle the Dosing Device Correctly: Do not wash the dosing syringe with water unless instructed in the product directions, as moisture may affect the medicine. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.
- Attend Regular Monitoring Appointments: Keep all scheduled blood tests so your doctor can monitor your kidney function, liver function, blood pressure, and cyclosporine levels.
- Do Not Switch Brands Without Medical Advice: Different brands and formulations may not be absorbed in the same way. Only switch if advised by your doctor.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines, as they may interact with Cyclosporine:
- NSAIDs and Certain Blood Pressure Medicines: Medicines such as ibuprofen and some ACE inhibitors or ARBs may increase the risk of kidney damage.
- Certain Antibiotics, Antifungals, and Antiseizure Medicines: These medicines can increase or decrease cyclosporine levels, affecting its safety and effectiveness.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Cyclosporine. It could lead to increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionCyclosporine belongs to pregnancy category C. Consult your doctor before taking Cyclosporine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCyclosporine passes into breast milk. Avoid breastfeeding while taking Cyclosporine.
Driving
cautionCyclosporine may cause dizziness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeCyclosporine is not recommended for children as efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice: Grapefruit contains natural chemicals that can dangerously increase the amount of this medicine in your bloodstream, raising your risk of serious side effects.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly to prevent gum swelling and tenderness, which are common with this medication.
- Protect yourself from infections: Wash your hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and consult your doctor before getting any vaccines.
- Limit sun exposure: This medicine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase the risk of skin cancer. Wear protective clothing and apply a high-SPF sunscreen when outdoors.
- Monitor your blood pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly at home as this medication can cause it to rise, and share these readings with your healthcare provider.
Special Advise
- Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system and raises the risk of cancer, particularly of the skin and lymphoid system. Therefore, limit your exposure to sunlight and UV light by wearing appropriate protective clothing and applying a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
- Regular monitoring of liver and kidney functioning, blood pressure, and lipid levels is advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Organ transplant rejection: When you get a new organ transplanted to your body, your body recognises it as a foreign element, tries to attack and reject it because it is not originally part of your body. So, immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine are given to such patients to suppress the immune system, thereby preventing an attack on a newly transplanted organ.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, inflammation of joints, difficulty moving, and swelling.
Psoriasis: It is an inflammatory skin illness. It is not infectious but tends to run in families. It causes itchy and red patches on the skin.
FAQs
Cyclosporine is used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant. Also, it helps to reduce the pain/inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis conditions and in the treatment of psoriasis.
Cyclosporine acts as an immunosuppressant, which helps in reducing inflammation and preventing joint stiffness, thereby providing relief from rheumatoid arthritis.
If you miss a dose of Cyclosporine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose instead.
Diarrhoea might be a side effect of Cyclosporine. Drink lots of fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience severe diarrhoea, consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Yes, the use of Cyclosporine may cause abnormal facial and body hair growth as a common side effect. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Cyclosporine is known to suppress the immune system. As a result, it increases the risk of infections and developing cancers, especially of the skin. Therefore, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight by wearing suitable protective clothing and using sunscreen regularly.
Cyclosporine may cause high blood pressure. Therefore, consult the doctor before taking Cyclosporine if you have high blood pressure.
No, Cyclosporine is not a steroid. It is an immunosuppressant.
Cyclosporine may cause weight gain. Follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Cyclosporine may cause fatigue. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, manage stress, improve sleep habits, and quit smoking. Doing these may help cope with fatigue.
Yes, your doctor will recommend certain tests to check your body’s response to Cyclosporine.
Cyclosporine may cause side effects like headache, vomiting nausea, high blood pressure, loss of appetite (feeling unwell and upset stomach), and diarrhoea. Talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Use the measuring cup/dosing syringe provided with the pack to measure the prescribed dose of Cyclosporine. Mix the solution/suspension in a glass of milk or orange juice, stir well, and consume immediately. Do not store the prepared mixture for later use.
You can mix the solution with apple juice, orange juice, or chocolate milk, but never use grapefruit juice, as it can dangerously increase the medicine's level in your body. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about mixing.
This medicine should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the baby. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss your specific situation.
The liquid can thicken or form light crystals if it gets cold. Keep it at room temperature, and it should return to normal; never microwave or expose it to high heat. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if the liquid looks unusual.
You should avoid live vaccines while taking this medicine, as your weakened immune system may not be able to handle them safely. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before scheduling any vaccinations.
This medicine can cause your gums to swell, grow, or bleed more easily. Practising excellent oral hygiene and seeing a dentist regularly can help manage this. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if gum changes become painful.
It is best to avoid alcohol, as it can interact with this medication and increase the risk of liver irritation or side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for personalised guidance.
Do not take another dose immediately to make up for it, as you might take too much. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away for instructions on what to do.
