Cyclosporine (SYE-kloe-spor-een)

Prevents organ rejection after kidney, liver, or heart transplant surgery.

Brand Name(s):

Sandimmune

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• There are many other drugs that can interact with cyclosporine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken the immune system such as chemotherapy, radiation, or steroids.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure or a history of seizures (epilepsy).
• This medicine may increase your risk of developing skin cancer or blood cancer. Talk with your doctor about this risk.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Bloody urine or vomit.
• Blurred vision, hearing loss, or ringing in ears.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Chest pain.
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, shortness of breath, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or body aches.
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
• Seizures.
• Tremors or shaking.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Acne, or hair growth on your face, chest, hands, or legs.
• Diarrhea.
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet or lips.
• Swelling of your gums.