Cyclosporine Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Cyclosporine

seizures (convulsions)
flu-like symptoms such as a fever, chills, and general aching of the body
the development of sores in the mouth area
signs of liver damage: itching, nauseousness, upset stomach or stomach pain, loss of appetite, a darkening in the color of urine, stools that are clay-colored or pale, and jaundice (yellowed skin or eyes)
bruising or bleeding easier than usual
faintness or feeling weak or as if you might pass out
increase in heart rate
hypertension (high blood pressure) which may cause symptoms of a strong, persistent headache, blurry vision, a ringing or buzzing in your ear, rapid or irregular heart rate, angina (chest pain), feeling short of breath and anxiety or nervousness
hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium): tingling sensations, a decrease in heart rate and muscle strength
rapid weight loss or weight gain
mental effects: changes in mood or thoughts, feeling confused and having trouble focusing
trouble seeing or speaking properly
diarrhea or vomit that has blood in it
changes in urination: trouble urinating, painful urination, burning sensations when urinating, or blood in urine
a severe pain located in the lower area of the back or side
skin reactions such as redenning of the skin, inflammation, tenderness or oozing from the skin
severe allergic reaction: redness and itching, a rash, hives, and swelling of the tongue, mouth, throat or face

Common Side Effects

minor headaches
pain or inflammation of the gums
bowel symptoms such as constipation, loose stools or diarrhea
upset stomach
mild shaking or twitching of the muscles
numbness

Warnings & Recalls for Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine and Pregnancy

Cyclosporine has been labeled a FDA pregnancy Category C medicine. It is unknown if cyclosporine may cause harm to an unborn baby if taken by a woman who is pregnant. Cyclosporine may be transferred through breast-milk and should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of taking cyclosporine during pregnancy.

General Warnings

Do not take cyclosporine if you are allergic to any ingredient in the medication. Cyclosporine may not be safe for patients who:

kidney disease
cancer
hypertension (high blood pressure) that is not being treated or is uncontrolled

Be sure to talk to your doctor about your medical history before taking cyclosporine. Patients receiving cyclosporine should not undergo any type of ultraviolet light or radiation therapy, or receive coal tar therapy (a treatment for psoriasis). Avoid taking any type of drug that may decrease the function of your immune system.

Cyclosporine and the Immune System

Cyclosporine weakens the immune system and may increase the risk of developing an infection, certain types of cancer, or infections of the brain. Talk to your doctor about these potential hazards before taking cyclosporine.

Cyclosporine Treatment and Use

Cyclosporine | Gengraf is a generic immunosuppressant medication prescribed for:

preventing organ rejection during the process of a kidney, liver, or heart transplant
severe cases of psoriasis (an immune disease resulting in skin reactions)
rheumatoid arthritis (an auto-immune disorder which causes swelling or inflammation of tissue and organs)
ulcerative colitis (a type of inflammatory bowel disease)
asthma

Cyclosporine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1983 for reducing the risk of transplant rejection.

How Does Cyclosporine Work?

T-cells work in the body to fight infections and may in some cases “reject” organ transplants. Cyclosporine reduces the function of t-cells, weakening the body’s immune system in order to prevent the possibility of transplant rejection.

How To Take Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine is prescribed to be taken orally. It is generally recommended that patients take cyclosporine in two doses each day around the same each day. If you are taking cyclosporine oral suspension, be sure to use a proper dose-measuring device. Take cyclosporine only as prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor about specific dosage and administration instructions.

Other Names for Cyclosporine

Brand names:

Gengraf

Neoral

Restasis

SandIMMUNE

Generic name:

Cyclosporine

Note: Cyclosporine may be prescribed in it's original form or an adjusted form. Patients should be aware that these medicines react differently within the body and should only take the specific type prescribed to you by your healthcare provider.