Cyclosporine capsules
What do cyclosporine capsules do?
CYCLOSPORINE (Neoral(R) is a medication used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted organ, which the body would otherwise see as foreign. Cyclosporine is used to reduce immune responses and prevent rejection in patients who receive organ or bone marrow transplants. Cyclosporine is also used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Make sure you always use the same brand of cyclosporine unless your prescriber tells you to switch brands. Generic cyclosporine capsules are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take cyclosporine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• gout
• high blood pressure
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• previous coal tar, PUVA, ultraviolet, or radiation therapy
• recent vaccinations
• an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclosporine, alcohol, corn oil, castor oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take cyclosporine capsules by mouth with a glass of water. Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew or break the capsule. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take the capsules in a regular manner at the same time each day and at the same time in relation to meals. This will help you keep a constant amount of cyclosporine in your body. Do not take with grapefruit juice. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose and if you are less than 2 hours late for your dose, take the dose immediately. If you are more than 2 hours late for your dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with cyclosporine?
• acyclovir
• antibiotics and other medicines for infections
• antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• ganciclovir
• grapefruit juice
• hormones such as prednisone or cortisone
• lovastatin
• male hormones
• medicines for fungal infections
• medicines for high blood pressure
• misoprostol
• omeprazole
• orlistat
• other medicines that suppress the immune system
• probucol
• seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
• St. John's wort
• vaccines
• water pills (diuretics)
• warfarin
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking cyclosporine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• confusion, depression
• high blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• increased urge to urinate or freqent urination
• numbness, tingling in the hands and feet
• seizures (convulsions)
• signs and symptoms of an infection such as fever, chills, sore throat
• stomach pain
• wheezing or shortness of breath
• yellow-colored skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• acne
• bleeding or tender gums, overgrowth of gum tissue
• diarrhea
• excessive hair growth on the face or body
• headache
• leg cramps
• loss of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• tremors