Drugs & Vitamins

Sandimmune Active Ingredients: Cyclosporine Representative Names: Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune Available Product Images: What are cyclosporine capsules? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with cyclosporine? What side effects may I notice from taking cyclosporine? What should I watch for while taking cyclosporine? Where can I keep my medicine? What are cyclosporine capsules? (Back to top) CYCLOSPORINE (Sandimmune®, Neoral® Gengraf™) is a medication used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted organ, which the body would otherwise see as foreign. Cyclosporine is used to reduce immune responses and prevent rejection in patients who receive organ or bone marrow transplants. Cyclosporine is also used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Make sure you always use the same brand of cyclosporine unless your prescriber tells you to switch brands. Generic cyclosporine capsules are 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 •previous coal tar, PUVA, ultraviolet, or radiation therapy •recent vaccinations •an unusual or allergic reaction to cyclosporine, alcohol, corn oil, castor oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take cyclosporine capsules by mouth with a glass of water. Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew or break the capsule. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take the capsules in a regular manner at the same time each day and at the same time in relation to meals. This will help you keep a constant amount of cyclosporine in your body. Do not take with grapefruit juice. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose and if you are less than 2 hours late for your dose, take the dose immediately. If you are more than 2 hours late for your dose, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Do not take double or extra doses. 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 •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 •red wine •seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine •sertraline •St. John's wort •sulfinpyrazone •vaccines •water pills (diuretics) •warfarin •zoledronic acid Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. 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 taking 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 frequent 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 •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) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your prescriber or health care professional may schedule regular blood checks. Do not change the brand of cyclosporine unless directed by your prescriber or health care professional. 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. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking cyclosporine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how cyclosporine will affect you. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking cyclosporine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep doses in the original packaging. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. 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.