Has your doctor prescribed this medicine for you or someone in your family after an organ transplant? Or are you using this medicine for another condition that affects the body's immune system? Since this is a very important medicine, it is very important to be aware of it clearly and simply. Today, let's talk about this medicine called Cyclosporine.
What really happens with this drug called Cyclosporine?
Simply put, Cyclosporine is a drug that controls or slightly reduces the activity of your body's immune system .
Imagine that someone has received a transplanted organ, such as a kidney, liver, or heart. The job of our immune system is to recognize and attack foreign substances (like germs) that enter the body. So, the body sees the newly transplanted organ as a "foreign thing." The body then tries to reject the new organ.
Cyclosporine works by suppressing the immune system and preventing rejection of newly transplanted organs. It is also used to treat autoimmune diseases, which attack the body's own cells.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Cancer status: If you currently have cancer or have had it in the past.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure may increase due to this medication.
- Kidney disease: This medication is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, if you have any kidney disease, your dosage may need to be adjusted.
- Liver disease: If liver function is impaired, the doctor should also be aware of that.
- Any infections: Tell your doctor if you have any infections such as fever, cough, or cold. This medicine suppresses the immune system, which can make infections worse.
- If you have received specific treatments: If you have previously been exposed to things like coal tar, PUVA, ultraviolet light, or radiation therapy.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
- If you have any allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances: Especially if you have an allergy to Cyclosporine, corn oil, or anything else.
How should I use the medicine?
Follow these instructions exactly.
1. Drink with a glass of water: Swallow this capsule with a full glass of water.
2. Do not take with grapefruit juice: Do not take this medication with grapefruit juice for any reason. Doing so may change the way the body absorbs the medication, potentially leading to dangerously high levels of the medication.
3. Swallow the capsule: Do not chew, break, or crush the capsule. Swallow it whole.
4. Take it at the right time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. Also, take it at the same time each day in relation to meals (before or after meals). This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
5. Don't miss doses: Take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Don't stop taking your medicine without your doctor's advice.
For young children and adults
This medicine may be prescribed for certain conditions, even for children as young as 6 months old. But talk to your child's doctor about it. People over 65 may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, so they may need a lower dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
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 once. If you often miss doses, talk to your doctor about it.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Cyclosporine is a drug that can interact with other medications, herbal products, and foods. So give your doctor a complete list of all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal products, and pain relievers).
Especially do not take this medicine with the following:
- Bosentan
- Cidofovir
- Tacrolimus
- St. John's wort (herbal product)
- Red yeast rice
In addition, this medicine can interact with many things, such as high blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), some antibiotics, antifungals, pain relievers (NSAIDs - e.g. ibuprofen), birth control pills, and epilepsy medications.
Therefore, it's best to tell your doctor about everything you're taking. Even before starting a new medication, ask your doctor about it.
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- Regular medical checkups: Your doctor will need to monitor your progress regularly. He or she will order blood tests . Don't skip these. These tests monitor things like your medication levels and kidney function.
- Protect yourself from infections: This medicine lowers your immunity, so you may get infections easily. If you develop a cold or flu, do not self-medicate and talk to your doctor.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Be careful with sunlight: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. If you are going to be in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen.
- Gum problems: Some people may experience swollen or bleeding gums from this medication. So be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth. Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of this medication.
What are the side effects?
Like any medicine, Cyclosporine can cause side effects. Be aware of the following:
| Side effects and what you should do | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately: | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Increased blood pressure | It may be discovered during an examination by the doctor. |
| Severe stomach pain or vomiting | If you have severe stomach pain or vomiting. |
| Yellowing of the skin or eyes | It may be a symptom of a liver problem. |
| Numbness in the limbs | Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. |
| Other serious symptoms | Vision changes, seizures, increased frequency of urination. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist: | |
| Gum problems | Swollen or bleeding gums. |
| Unwanted hair growth | Excessive hair growth on the face or body. |
| Minor stomach discomfort | Nausea, diarrhea. |
| Tremors | Slight tremor in the hands. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Cyclosporine is a drug that controls the immune system, especially essential after organ transplants.
- Never take this medicine with grapefruit juice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- Do not stop taking the medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- If you develop symptoms of infection such as fever and cough, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not skip medical checkups and blood tests on the scheduled dates.
- Store this medicine in the original packaging, in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children.
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