Cyclosporine
Description
Cyclosporine is a medicine available in oral forms (tablet/capsule/suspension), injection, and eye drops. The oral forms and injection are used after organ transplantation to prevent your body from rejecting the transplanted organ. The oral forms are also used for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis (pain and swelling in the small joints) and psoriasis (a skin condition with red, scaly, and inflamed skin). This medicine works by suppressing the activity of your immune system.
Cyclosporine eye drops are used in the treatment of dry eyes. It decreases swelling in your eyes and increases tear production.
Cyclosporine oral forms and injection may have side effects like nausea, vomiting, tremor, upset stomach, and headache. Cyclosporine eye drops may show side effects like eye redness, itching/stinging sensation in your eyes, etc. This medicine lowers your body's capacity to fight infections. Report any signs and symptoms of infections like fever, rash, sore throat, etc. to your doctor immediately.
Cyclosporine oral forms may be taken with or without food. Take this medicine at the same time every day for maintaining a constant level of Cyclosporine in your blood. Avoid the discontinuation of this medicine without consulting your doctor. Cyclosporine injections are administered by a qualified healthcare professional in a hospital/clinic. For Cyclosporine eye drops, instill the the eye drops as advised by your doctor.
Cyclosporine is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. Use this medicine with caution if you have high potassium levels in your blood or high blood pressure. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicine as they can interact with Cyclosporine and cause undesired effects.
Cyclosporine should be used with caution in elderly people (above the age of 65 years) due to an increased risk of side effects. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Cyclosporine
- Decrease in blood cell count
- Tremors
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
- Fever and chills
- Stomach discomfort
- Facial hair growth
- Running nose
- Muscle cramps
- Sweating
Uses of Cyclosporine
What is it prescribed for?
- Organ Transplant - Rejection Prophylaxis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry eye syndrome)
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of Cyclosporine is not clinically known.
- Duration of effectCyclosporine may remain in your body for around 2-3 days.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported for Cyclosporine.
- Usage in pregnancy?Cyclosporine is not recommended for use during pregnancy as not enough studies are done to understand its safety and efficiency. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Cyclosporine is not recommended while breastfeeding as this medicine passes into breastmilk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Allergy
Cyclosporine is not recommended for use if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms such as skin rash, swelling and/or itching (especially in the face, lips, throat), breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Cyclosporine is not recommended for use during pregnancy as not enough studies are done to understand its safety and efficiency. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast-feeding
Cyclosporine is not recommended while breastfeeding as this medicine passes into breastmilk. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Malignancy
Cyclosporine may increase the risk of developing cancers like lymphoma (cancer that occurs in the lymphocytes, infection-fighting cells of the immune system) and skin cancer. Your doctor may advise you to prevent exposure to sunlight by wearing protective clothing.
Serious infections
Cyclosporine suppresses your immune system and further increases the risk of infections. Any symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, chills, etc. should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Kidney impairment
Cyclosporine should be used with caution if you have kidney problems as it may increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor will regularly monitor kidney functions or recommend dose adjustments based on your condition
Liver impairment
Cyclosporine may increase the levels of liver enzymes in your body. This medicine should be used with caution if you have liver problems as it may increase the risk of serious liver damage. Your doctor may suggest tests to regularly monitor your liver functions or recommend dose adjustments based on your condition.
Hyperkalaemia
Cyclosporine may increase the blood potassium levels and may increase the risk of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats). Your doctor may adjust your dose or frequently monitor the functioning of your heart while you are taking this medicine
Hypertension
Cyclosporine should be used with extreme caution if you have high blood pressure as it can increase your blood pressure. Your doctor may adjust your dose or frequently monitor your blood pressure while you are taking this medicine.
Use in elderly
Cyclosporine should be used with caution in elderly people (above the age of 65 years) due to the risk of developing side effects.
Missed Dose
Oral and topical form: If you miss a dose of Cyclosporine, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Injection: Since Cyclosporine is administered in a clinical or hospital set up by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of missing a dose is very low.
Overdose
Oral forms: Never take more than the prescribed dose. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect an overdose of Cyclosporine.
Eye drops: Since Cyclosporine eye drops are intended for external use, the likelihood of side effects due to an overdose is low. However, do not administer more than the prescribed dose.
Injection: Since Cyclosporine is administered in the hospital or clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by your doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Amlodipine
Atorvastatin
Live attenuated vaccines and related products
Diclofenac
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Avoid consumption of grapefruit juice while taking/receiving Cyclosporine as it can increase the levels of this medicine in your body. Thus, it may increase the risk of side effects on the kidney, liver, and nervous system.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take Cyclosporine as prescribed by your doctor. Do not break, crush, break or chew the tablet/capsule. For oral suspension, shake the bottle well before use.
Eye drops: Cyclosporine eye drop is for external use only. Administer it as directed by your doctor. Do not touch your eyes with unwashed hands. Avoid sharing items like eyeglasses, contact lenses, pillows, towels, clothes, eye or face makeup when you are infected.
Injection forms: Cyclosporine injection should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical or hospital setting. Your doctor will determine an appropriate dose based on your clinical condition.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Cyclosporine works by decreasing your body's immune activity. Thus, it helps in preventing rejection of transplanted organs by your body. It also reduces swelling in your eyes and
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Calcineurin inhibitors, Immunosuppressive agents
Schedule
Schedule H
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Information on this page was last updated on 4 Oct 2021
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