Cyclosporine
(sye-kloe-SPOR-in)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Contact us
What is cyclosporine?
Cyclosporine (Sandimmune", Neoral", SangCya", GenGraf") is a medicine that is used to prevent organ rejection after transplant. It has also been used to treat other illnesses, such as aplastic anemia, severe rheumatoid arthritis, or to prevent graft versus host disease (GVHD). It is available as a capsule, injection, or liquid.
Special instructions
It is important to take cyclosporine at the same time and the same way -- either with or without food -- each day. Changing these conditions can change the amount of medication that gets into your child's blood and its way of working.
Capsules should be swallowed whole -- do not bite, crush or chew.
To make the liquid cyclosporine taste better, mix it in a glass cup with apple or orange juice (best at room temperature). Do not use a plastic, styrofoam, or wax paper cup.
Mixing liquid cyclosporine (Neoral") with milk may cause a bad taste.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking cyclosporine, unless the doctor tells you it is ok to do this (The amount of medication in the blood can be increased and could cause harm).
Keep this medication at room temperature--away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not refrigerate.
Do not store in the bathroom.
This medication must remain in its original container.
Open bottles must be used within 2 months.
It is important to see your child's doctor regularly so the effects of this medicine can be watched carefully.
Testing of your child's blood will be done every so often while they are taking this medication.
Do not give any other medicine, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), without first talking to the doctor.
Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
Upset stomach (nausea)
Throwing up (vomiting)
Loose stools (diarrhea)
Increased need to go to the bathroom (urination)
Blurred vision
Confusion
Problems hearing
Tingling of hands or feet
Other possible side effects include kidney problems, increased blood pressure, hair growth, swollen or bleeding gums, shaking, liver problems, low blood count and increased risk of infections.
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
Reddened face (flushing)
Breathing problems
Fever
Chills
Chest pain
Red color to urine
Yellow skin (jaundice)
Seizures
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Patient Education Program V 5057
Rev. 9/05, 8/07
