Have you been prescribed cyclosporine? Let's find out everything about it in simple terms.

Your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Cyclosporine . This is especially true after an organ transplant, such as a kidney transplant, or for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis . Since this is a fairly powerful medication, you may have a lot of questions on your mind, such as, “What does this do?”, “How should I use it?”, “Are there any side effects ?” Don’t worry, today we’ll talk about this medication in a clear and simple way.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, cyclosporine is a drug that controls and reduces the activity of our body's immune system . Our immune system is like our body's army that fights disease-causing germs . But sometimes this army becomes a little too active.

• Organ Transplant: Imagine you have a new kidney transplant. Your body's immune system sees the new kidney as a 'foreign organism'. So it attacks it and tries to reject it ( organ rejection ). Cyclosporine works by stopping that reaction and helping your body accept the new organ.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis : In these conditions, our own immune system mistakenly attacks our own joints and skin. So this medicine controls that overactivity and reduces symptoms.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

This is very important. Before starting this medication, you should definitely talk to your doctor about these things. Don't hide these things, because it's for your own safety.

• If you have or have had cancer.
• If you have high blood pressure .
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• If there is an existing infection.
• If you have previously received PUVA treatment, coal tar, ultraviolet light, or radiation therapy.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .
• If you have an allergic reaction to cyclosporine or any other medicine or food.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

Since this is an oral solution, special care must be taken in how it is used.

1. Measure the dose: Use only the special dosing syringe that comes with the medicine to measure the medicine. Do not use kitchen utensils like teaspoons or syrup cups.

2. Mixing method: The method of using this may vary slightly depending on the brand you are given. So check the medicine label carefully.

• Sandimmune® brand: Mix with room temperature milk, chocolate milk, or orange juice.
• For another brand like Neoral®: Mix only with room temperature orange juice or apple juice.

3. Most importantly: Never mix this medicine with grapefruit juice. Also, use a glass cup instead of a plastic cup.

4. Take the medicine completely: Mix the medicine well with the juice and drink it quickly. After drinking it, add some more juice to the same glass, stir it, and drink that too. That way, not a bit of the medicine will go to waste.

5. Cleaning the syringe: After using the syringe, wipe only the outside with a clean, dry cloth. Do not wash with water. If water gets inside the syringe, it can react with the medicine.

6. Take it on time: Take the medicine at the same time every day, in the same way relative to meals (if before meals, always before, if after meals, always after).

For children and adults

This medicine requires special care when given to children. Also, people over the age of 65 may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, so a lower dose may be prescribed.

What to do if you take too much or miss a dose?

• Overdose: If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
• Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Cyclosporine is a drug that can interact with many other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking, including vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

*This is not a complete list. So please inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking.*

What side effects can be seen?

Like any medication, cyclosporine can have side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.

How to store the medicine?

• Keep it out of the reach of children .
• Neoral® should be stored at room temperature between 20-25 degrees Celsius, and Sandimmune® should be stored below 30 degrees Celsius.
• Never refrigerate or freeze.
• Sometimes, this medicine may form a gel (gel formation) at temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius. If this happens, don't worry. Let it sit until it reaches room temperature (about 25 degrees). Then it will return to normal.
• Open the bottle and discard any remaining medicine after two months .