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Other drug names: | A-Am An-Az B C-Ch Ci-Cz D-Dh Di-Dz E F G H I-J K-L M-Mh Mi-Mz N-Nh Ni-Nz O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q-R S-Sn So-Sz T-To Tp-Tz U-V W-Z 0-9 |
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Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory while taking cyclosporine, especially if your doctor changes which type (capsules or liquid) or brand (Neoral or Sandimmune) of cyclosporine you are taking.Cyclosporine makes you more susceptible to illnesses. If you are exposed to chicken pox, measles, or tuberculosis (TB) while taking cyclosporine, call your doctor. Do not have a vaccination, other immunization, or any skin test while you are taking cyclosporine unless your doctor tells you that you may. Call your doctor if you have any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, and muscle aches) that occur during treatment. |
Cyclosporine is used to prevent rejection of kidney, liver, and heart transplants.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Cyclosporine comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dosing schedule for you. Take your doses at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. You will probably have to take cyclosporine for a long time, possibly for the rest of your life. Take cyclosporine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
The oral liquid comes with a special syringe with markings for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use it, and tell the pharmacist if you have difficulty reading these markings.
Remove the protective cover from the syringe and carefully measure the dose. Place the dose in a glass container (be sure to use glass) and dilute it with milk, chocolate milk, or orange juice (preferably at room temperature). Stir the mixture well and drink it immediately. Do not allow it to stand. After taking the dose, rinse the glass with a second portion of just the beverage and drink it to be sure that you receive the entire dose.
Dry the outside of the syringe with a clean towel after each use and replace the protective cover. Do not rinse the syringe with water.
Cyclosporine also is used to prevent rejection problems in bone marrow and other transplants. It also may be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions that have not responded to other medicines. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Before taking cyclosporine,
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking cyclosporine.
It is very important to avoid missing doses of cyclosporine and to take it at the same time each day. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side effects from cyclosporine are common. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
If you experience any of the following symptoms, or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Do not store this medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Do not keep the liquid more than 2 months. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to cyclosporine.
Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Last Revised - 01/01/2003
The MedMaster Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 04 October 2004 |