Cyclosporine
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Warning
Cyclosporine lowers your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. This effect may also increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer (such as skin cancer, lymphoma). Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection or cancer such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough, burning/frequent urination, unusual skin changes, change in appearance or size of moles, unusual weight loss, swollen lymph glands, unusual lumps, night sweats.
Cyclosporine can also cause high blood pressure and kidney problems. The risk of both problems increases with higher doses and longer treatment with this drug. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and kidney function while you take this medication.
Psoriasis patients who have had certain previous treatments (such as coal tar, methotrexate, radiation treatment, light treatment with PUVA/UVB) are at increased risk to develop skin cancer. Talk to your doctor of the risks and benefits of this medication.
Different brands of this medication may deliver different amounts of medication. Do not switch brands of cyclosporine without your doctor's permission and directions.
Precautions
Before taking cyclosporine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, cancer, skin lesions of unknown cause, radiation treatment (including light treatment with PUVA or UVB), mineral imbalance (such as low level of magnesium or high level of potassium), recent/current infections, high cholesterol/triglycerides levels.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication may contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have liver disease, alcohol dependence, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid alcohol in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Cyclosporine can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using cyclosporine before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
This medication may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Your doctor may direct you to avoid phototherapy while you use this product. Ask your doctor for details.
This product may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for kidney problems or high blood pressure while using this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby or cause other problems with the baby such as being born too early (premature) or having low birth weight. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Shaking, headache, dizziness, unusual growth of body hair, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, or flushing may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Unusual growth and swelling of the gums may occur. Brush your teeth and floss daily to reduce this problem. See your dentist regularly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Your doctor may control your blood pressure with medication.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine), signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin, stomach/abdominal pain), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness/spasms, slow/irregular heartbeat, numb/tingling skin, severe leg pain.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating), vision changes, problems with speech, clumsiness, loss of coordination, weakness on one side of the body, chest pain, seizures.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
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