GENERIC NAME: CYCLOSPORINE MICROEMULSION - ORAL SOLUTION (sye-klo-SPORE-een MY-crow-ee-MULL-shun)
BRAND NAME(S): Neoral
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: Cyclosporine reduces the body's ability to fight illness/disease (immunosuppressant), leaving patients vulnerable to infection or other problems (including cancer). Using additional drugs that treat organ transplant rejection may increase these tendencies. Cyclosporine can also cause high blood pressure and kidney problems. The risk of both problems increase with increasing dose and length of therapy. Psoriasis patients who have had certain previous treatments (e.g., PUVA, UVB, coal tar, radiation therapy, methotrexate) are at increased risk to develop cancerous skin growths (malignancies). Therefore, cyclosporine must be given only under close medical supervision. Because different brands deliver different amounts of medication, do not switch brands of cyclosporine without your doctor's permission. Laboratory tests (e.g., kidney function tests, blood tests) may be performed to monitor your progress.
USES: This medication is used to prevent or treat organ rejection in transplant patients. It is also used in certain patients with arthritis or psoriasis.
HOW TO USE: This medication is taken orally. Take this at the same time each day and consistently with or without food. To improve the taste of the oral solution, dilute it with orange, apple, or cranberry juice. Diluting with milk may have an unpleasant taste. Twice daily, transfer the prescribed amount of medication to the cup of diluent, stir well and drink as soon as possible after mixing. Use a glass container whenever possible. Otherwise use a hard plastic cup. Do not use styrofoam cups. Rinse the cup with the juice 2 times and drink to assure all the medication is taken. Dry the outside of the dropper. Do not rinse it in water. Follow the dosing schedule for this medication carefully. If you were previously taking another brand of this medication, your dosing may be changed. Ask your doctor any question you have about your treatment.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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