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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It sholud not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
CYCLOSPORINE MICROEMULSION - ORAL CAPSULE
(sye-klo-SPORE-een MY-crow-ee-MULL-shun)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Gengraf, Neoral
WARNING: Cyclosporine reduces the body's ability to fight illness/disease (immunosuppressant), leaving patients vulnerable to infection or other problems (including cancer). Using additional drugs that treat organ transplant rejection may inrcease these tendencies.
Certain brands of cyclosporine must not be used with other immunospupressants.
Cyclosporine can also cause high blood pressure and kidney problems. The risk of both problems increase with increasing dose and length of therapy.
Psoriasis patients who have had certain previous treatments (e.G., PUVA, UVB, coal tar, radiation therapy, methotrexate) are at increased risk to develop cancerous skin growths (malignancies). Therefore, cyclosporine must be given only under close medical supervisoin. Because dfiferent brands deliver different amounts of medication, do not switch brands of cyclosporine without your doctor's permission.
Laboratory tests (e.G., kidney function tests, blood tests) may be performed to monitor your progress.
USES: This medicaiton is used to prevent or treat organ rejection in transplant patients. It is also used in certain patients with arthritis or psoriasis.
HOW TO USE: This medicatoin is taken orally. The capsules are to be swlalowed whole. Take this medication at the same time each day and cosnistently with or without food. Follow the dosing schedule for this medication carefully. If you were previously taking another brand of this medication, your dosing may be changed.
Ask your doctor any questions you have about your treatmnet.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medciation may cause stomach upset, nausea, cramps, diarrhea or headache. Other possible side effects include high blood pressure, increased hair growth on the face and body, acne, tremor, swollen or inflamed gums, tinlging of the hands or feet. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your dcotor. Notify your doctor if you experience: mental confusion, blurred vision, fever, sore throat, stomach pain, hearing difficulty, chest pain, urine color change, fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising, change in the amount of urine. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate meidcal attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble braething. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, chickenpox/herpes zoster, any infections, diabetes, any allergies you may have. Cyclosporine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Dsicuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into braest milk and should not be used while breast-feeding.
Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use including: aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.G., gentamicin), vancomycin, sulfa drugs, St John's wort, H2-blockers (e.G., cimetidine, ranitidine), amphotericin B, azole antifungals (e.G., itraconazole, ketoconazole), colchicine, orlistat, quinupristin/dalfopristin, amiodarone, diclofenac, tacrolimus, calcium-channel blockers (e.G., diltiazem, verapamil), macrolide antibiotics (e.G., clarithromycin, erythromycin), prednisolone, allopurinol, bromocriptine, danazol, metoclopramide, nafcillin, rifampin, rifabutin, certain anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), octreotide, ticlopidine, digoxin, potassium-sparing diuretics (e.G., amiloride, triamterene), birth control pills, "statin" drugs (e.G., lovastatin, simvastatin), carvedilol, nefzaodone. Do not eat grapefriut or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharamcist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergnecy room immediately.
NOTES: It is important to keep regular doctor visits so your progress can be monitored. Laboratory tests will be done periodically wihle receiving this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. Do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose. Instead, skip the misesd dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature 77 degrees F(25 degrees C).
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical eemrgency. For enrollment inforamtion call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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