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Ciclosporin

  • Ciclosporin works by suppressing the body's immune or defence system.
  • It is important that you keep your regular appointments with your doctor.
  • Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice with ciclosporin.
  • Important: each time you collect a new prescription, make sure you have been given the same brand of ciclosporin as before.

About ciclosporin

Type of medicine Immunosuppressant
Used for To prevent rejection after organ or bone marrow transplants
Rheumatoid arthritis
Some skin disorders
Also called Neoral®, Sandimmun®
Available as Capsules, oral solution, and intravenous infusion

Ciclosporin is used to prevent the rejection of newly transplanted organs or bone morrow transplants. Sometimes the body tries to reject new donor tissue, ciclosporin helps to prevent this rejection by suppressing the body's immune or defence system. It can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and certain skin complaints such as dermatitis, psoriasis and nephrotic syndrome.

Before taking ciclosporin

Before taking ciclosporin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from gout or high blood pressure.
  • If you have cancer or an infection.
  • If you have porphyria (a rare blood disorder).
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take ciclosporin

  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses together to make up.
  • If you have been prescribed the capsules, take your dose with a small glass of water. Swallow the capsules whole.
  • If you have been prescribed the oral solution, you may mix it with orange or apple juice to help improve the taste. DO NOT mix with grapefruit juice. Pour your choice of drink into a clean glass or cup and add the correct dose of oral solution then take. Add more of your chosen drink to the glass or cup and swirl it around before taking, this is to make sure you have taken your full dose. DO NOT bring the medicine measure into contact with any other objects or liquids. DO NOT wash the measure after use, simply wipe it clean with a tissue and return it to its cover.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Before buying any medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside ciclosporin.
  • DO NOT eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking ciclosporin.
  • Important: each time you collect a new prescription, make sure you have been given the same brand of ciclosporin as before.
  • You must avoid getting pregnant while taking ciclosporin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about suitable contraception.
  • Keep your regular appointments with the doctor and appointments for blood tests so that your progress can be monitored.
  • Keep your regular dental appointments to make sure your gums remain healthy.
  • While you are taking ciclosporin, and for a while after you stop treatment, do not have any immunisations (vaccinations) without talking to your doctor first. Ciclosporin lowers the body's resistance and there is a chance that you may get an infection from the vaccine.
  • While you are taking ciclosporin, it is important that you avoid direct exposure to sunlight or use a sunscreen of factor 15 or higher.
  • Do not have PUVA (a treatment for psoriasis) while you are taking ciclosporin.
  • Ciclosporin may increase your blood level of some lipids (fats) including cholesterol. Your doctor can check for this.
  • If you undergo surgery, including dental treatment and emergency treatment, tell the surgeon, dentist or doctor that you are taking ciclosporin.

Can ciclosporin cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast
Diarrhoea Drink plenty of water to replace any lost fluids
Shakiness, tiredness, swollen gums, kidney problems, high blood pressure, numbness, tingling, loss of appetite, stomach pain, liver problems, gout, muscle cramps or pain, and increased hair growth on body If troublesome, speak with your doctor

Important: if you develop a ringing in your ears, sickness, problems with your balance or sight, or pains in your head or neck, then contact your doctor straight away or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital.

Important: Taking ciclosporin may make you more susceptible to infections which can become serious. Contact your doctor if you feel unwell.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store ciclosporin

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • British National Formulary; 54th Edition (September 2007) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Neoral® Soft Gelatin Capsules, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised December 2007, accessed 5 March 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Neoral® Oral Solution, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised December 2007, accessed 5 March 2008.
  • Manufacturer's PIL, Sandimmun®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised December 2007, accessed 5 March 2008.
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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