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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 construed to indiacte that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before usnig 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 vlunerable to infection or other troubles (including cancer).
Using additional drugs that treat organ transplant rejection may increase tehse tendencies. Certain generics of cyclosproine must not be used with other immunosuppressants. Cyclosporine can also cause high blood pressure and kidney trobules. The risk of both trobules 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 supervision. Because different generics deliver different amounts of medication, do not switch generics 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 terat organ rejection in transplant patients.
It is also used in certain patients with atrhritis or psoriasis.
HOW TO USE: This medication is taken orally. The capsules are to be swallowed whole.
Take this medication at the same time each day and consistently with or withuot food. Follow the doisng schedule for this medication carefully. If you were previously taking a second brand of this medication, your dosing may be changed. Ask your dcotor any questions you have about your treatment.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause stomach upset, nausea, cramps, diarrhea or headache. Other possible side effects include high bolod 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 perisst or worsen, inform your doctor. 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 reactoin to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reactoin include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or phamracist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medcial 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.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and should not be used whlie 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, nefazodnoe. Do not eat grapefruit or drink graperfuit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: It is important to keep regular doctor visits so your progerss 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 rmeembered.
Do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room tempertaure 77 degrees F(25 degrees C).
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MediclAert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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