$Unique_ID{BRK03114}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{cyclosporine}
$Subject{Sandimmune Sandoz Immunosuppressant cyclosporine organ rejection
kidney liver heart transplants rejection foreign tissue}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


cyclosporine
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer)

     Sandimmune (Sandoz)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Immunosuppressant

INGREDIENT

     cyclosporine

DOSAGE FORMS

     Oral solution (100 mg per ml, with 12.5% alcohol)
     Soft gelatin capsules (25 mg and 100 mg)

STORAGE

     Cyclosporine oral solution and capsules should be stored in the original
container at room temperature.  This medication should never be refrigerated
or frozen.  Once the solution has been opened, it should be used within two
months.

USES

     Cyclosporine is used to prevent organ rejection after kidney, liver, and
heart transplants.  It is not clearly understood how cyclosporine works, but
it appears to prevent the body's rejection of foreign tissue.

TREATMENT

     To make it more palatable, the solution should be diluted with milk,
chocolate milk, or orange juice (preferably at room temperature).  The dose
should be measured carefully with the dropper provided and placed in one of
the fluids listed above.  Use a glass container (cyclosporine chemically binds
to wax-lined and plastic surfaces).  Stir well and drink at once--do not allow
the mixture to stand before drinking.  Refill the glass with the same beverage
and drink this solution to ensure that the whole dose is taken.  The dropper
should be wiped with a clean towel after use and stored in its container.  If
the dropper has been cleaned, make sure it is completely dry before using it
again.
     It is important not to miss any doses of this medication.  If you do miss
a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for
the next dose.  In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return
to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, flushing, headache, hiccups, leg cramps,
loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as
your body adjusts to the medication.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
acne; bleeding, tender, or enlarged gums; convulsions; difficult or painful
urination; enlarged and painful breasts (in both sexes); fever; hair growth;
hearing loss; muscle pain; rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within a
week); sore throat; tingling of the hands or feet; tremors; unusual bleeding
or bruising; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Cyclosporine interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Carbamazepine, isoniazid, rifampin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and
trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole can decrease the blood levels of cyclosporine,
decreasing its effectiveness.
     2. Cimetidine, diltiazem, erythromycin, ketoconazole, oral
contraceptives, danazol, and amphotericin B can increase the blood levels of
cyclosporine, which can lead to an increase in side effects.
     3. Tell your doctor if you are currently taking corticosteroids,
verapamil, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to cyclosporine or to polyoxyethylated castor oil.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had hypertension (high blood pressure) or
gastrointestinal disorders.
     * Repeated laboratory tests are necessary while you are taking
cyclosporine to ensure that you are receiving the correct dosage and to avoid
liver and kidney damage.
     * Certain cancers have occurred in patients receiving cyclosporine and
other immunosuppressant drugs after transplantation.  No causal effect has
been established, however.
     * Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your
doctor.  If the drug is stopped abruptly, organ rejection may occur.  Your
doctor may, therefore, want to reduce your dosage gradually or start you on
another drug if treatment with this drug is to be discontinued.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although extensive
studies in humans have not been conducted, cyclosporine has caused fetal
damage when administered to animals.  Also, tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding, because cyclosporine passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.