Cyclosporine (By injection)
sye-kloe-SPOR-een
Helps prevent organ rejection after transplant surgery.
Drug classes
Immune Suppressant (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Cyclosporine injection is given together with a steroid medicine to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (e.g., kidney, liver, or heart). It belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents.
When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body’s white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Cyclosporine works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.
Cyclosporine is a very strong medicine. It can cause side effects that can be very serious, such as high blood pressure, kidney problems, or liver problems. It may also decrease the body’s ability to fight infections. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although not specifically included in the product labeling, cyclosporine is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Bone marrow transplantation.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
There are many drugs that can interact with cyclosporine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
You should not use cyclosporin if you are receiving other treatment for psoriasis, including PUVA or UVB therapy, coal tar, or radiation treatment.
Ask your doctor before you use any medicine, supplement, or salt substitute that contains potassium.
If you are using sirolimus, take it 4 hours after you receive cyclosporine.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to cyclosporine or castor oil.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, anemia, a bleeding disorder, high blood pressure, eye or vision problems, or a history of seizures.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Kidney problems Liver problems Increased risk of infections, including rare and life-threatening infections Increased risk of cancer, including skin cancer or cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma) High blood pressureThis medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
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
Change in how much or how often you urinate, bloody urine
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, or numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fast heartbeat, dizziness, headache, vision changes
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your face, hands, feet, or lower legs
Seizures or tremors
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, stomach pain
Increased hair growth, especially on your face
Swelling of your gums
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Sandimmune
There may be other brand names for this medicine.