Cyclosporine Oral Capsule

Brands: Sandimmune

Uses

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

• arthritis
• blood disorder
• prevent organ transplant rejection
• psoriasis
• skin wound
• cancer

Instructions

Keep the medicine in its original container.

This medicine may be taken with or without food, but it is important to take it the same way each time.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on this medicine.

Talk to your doctor before eating foods with large amounts of potassium. Potassium is often found in salt substitutes. Your doctor may want you to reduce the amount of these foods.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

It is unknown if this medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• diarrhea
• dizziness
• feeling of heat or flushing
• hair growth
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• kidney problems
• irritation of mouth and gum tissue
• nausea and vomiting
• shakiness
• stomach upset or abdominal pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• irregular heart beat
• unusual bruising or discoloration on skin
• chest pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• difficulty concentrating
• confusion
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• slow heartbeat
• sudden leg pain, swelling, warmth or redness
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
• muscle weakness
• light colored stool
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• urinating less often
• difficulty or discomfort urinating

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Extra

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice. There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist. The display and use of this drug information is subject to Terms of Use. Copyright(c) 2023 First Databank, Inc.