Drugs & Vitamins

Sandimmune Injection Active Ingredients: Cyclosporine Injection Representative Names: Neoral Injection, Sandimmune Injection What is cyclosporine injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with cyclosporine? What side effects may I notice from receiving cyclosporine? What should I watch for while taking cyclosporine? Where can I keep my medicine? What is cyclosporine injection? (Back to top) CYCLOSPORINE (Sandimmune®) is a medication used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted organ, which the body would otherwise see as foreign. Cyclosporine reduces unwanted immune responses and helps to prevent rejection in patients who receive organ or bone marrow transplants. Generic cyclosporine injection is available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •gout •high blood pressure •infection •kidney disease •liver disease •recent vaccinations •an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclosporine, alcohol, castor oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Cyclosporine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting. As soon as possible you will be given cyclosporine capsules or oral solution. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. Your condition will be monitored. What drug(s) may interact with cyclosporine? (Back to top) •acyclovir •antibiotics and other medicines for infections •antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) •bosentan (NOTE: bosentan should not be taken with cyclosporine) •entecavir •female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills •ganciclovir •grapefruit juice •hormones such as prednisone or cortisone •lovastatin •liothyronine •male hormones •medicines for diabetes •medicines for fungal infections •medicines for high blood pressure •misoprostol •omeprazole •orlistat •other medicines that suppress the immune system •pamidronate •probucol •seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine •sertraline •St. John's wort •sulfinpyrazone •vaccines •water pills •warfarin •zoledronic acid Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving cyclosporine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •confusion, depression •high blood pressure •irregular heartbeat •increased urge to urinate or freqent urination •numbness, tingling in the hands and feet •problems seeing or changes in vision •seizures (convulsions) •signs and symptoms of an infection such as fever, chills, sore throat •stomach pain •vomiting •warmness or itching of the face or neck •wheezing or shortness of breath •yellow-colored skin or eyes Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •acne •bleeding or tender gums, overgrowth of gum tissue •diarrhea •excessive hair growth on the face or body •headache •leg cramps •loss of appetite •nausea, vomiting •tremors What should I watch for while taking cyclosporine? (Back to top) Your condition will be closely monitored while you receive infusions of cyclosporine. Your prescriber or health care professional may schedule regular blood checks. Cyclosporine can increase your blood pressure. Your prescriber or health care professional will want to monitor your blood pressure and you may have to take another medicine to keep your blood pressure under control. Cyclosporine can cause birth defects. Women should use effective birth control methods while taking cyclosporine. Women who become pregnant should discuss the potential risks and options with their physician. Cyclosporine will decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Discuss whether or not you should receive vaccinations with your prescriber or health care professional. After you stop taking this medication, some side effects can continue and some may not occur until years after the medicine was taken. These effects can include the development of certain types of cancer. Discuss this possibility with your prescriber or health care professional. Cyclosporine may increase your risk for certain types of skin cancer, especially if you have psoriasis. To decrease your risk, were protective clothing, including hats, and use sunscreen with a high protection factor when exposed to the sun. Avoid using tanning beds. Cyclosporine can cause unusual growth of gum tissue and can make your gums bleed. Practice good oral hygiene, and be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth. See your dentist regularly. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. You will not take cyclosporine injection at home. Last Updated:08/01/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above 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 indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.