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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 should not be constreud to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using that drug.
CYCLOSPORINE - IV
(sye-klo-SPORE-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Sandimmune
WARNING: Cyclosporine reduces the body's ability to fight illness/disease (immunosuppressant), leaving patients vulnerable to infection or other troubles (including cancer). Using additional drugs that treat organ transplant rejection may raise these tendencies. Cretain brands of cyclosporine must not be used with other immunosuppressants. Cyclosporine can also cause high blood prsesure and kidney troubles.
The risk of both troubles raise with increasing dose and length of therapy. Psoriasis ptaients 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 supervision. Because different 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 medication is used to prevent or treat organ rejection in transplant patients. It has also been used with success in a variety of illnesses.
HOW TO USE: This medictaion is given by injection into a vein over 2 to 6 hours when the oral forms cannot be tolerated. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Ask your doctor any questions you have aobut your treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, nausea, cramps, diarrhea or headcahe. Other possible side effects icnlude high blood pressure, increased hair growth on the face and body, acne, tremor, swollen or inflamed gums, tingling of the hands or feet. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop: 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 unlkiely event you have an allergic reaction to that drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effcets not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medcial history, especially of: liver or kidney disease, blood disorders, chickenpox, herpes zoster, any infections, diabetes, any allergies.
Cyclosporine should be used only when clearly needed duirng pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and sohuld not be used while breast-feeding.
Consult your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, including: gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cimetidine, colchicine, quinupristin/dalfopristin, amiodarone, amphoterciin B, ketoconazole, ranitidine, diclofenac, tacrolimus, diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil, nifedipine, fluconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, erythromycin, methylprednisolone, allopurinol, bromocriptine, danazol, metoclopramide, nafcillin, rifampin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, octreotide, ticlopidine, prednisolone, digoxin, triamterene, spironolactone, amiloride, birth control pills, "statin" drugs for high cholesterol, St John's wort, carvedilol, nefazodone. Do not start or stop any medicine witohut doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or eemrgency room immediately.
NOTES: It is improtant to keep regular doctor visits so your progress can be monitored. Laboratory tests will be done peirodically while receiving that 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 cacth up.
STORAGE: Store in a cool, dry area and protect from light. Do not store in the bahtroom.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical eemrgency.
For ernollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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