In order to improve the drug’s absorption in the body, cyclosporine is also offered in a different product that has been altered from its original form. Because the body absorbs original cyclosporine and modified cyclosporine differently, they cannot be used interchangeably. Use just the brand of cyclosporine that was recommended by your physician. Verify that the type of cyclosporine your doctor wants you to take is indicated in the printed prescription before you fill it. To confirm that you have received the same brand of cyclosporine each time your prescription is filled, check the brand name displayed on your prescription label. If the brand name is unknown to you or you are unsure that you have been given the correct type of cyclosporine, speak with your pharmacist.

The use of cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified) may raise your chance of contracting an infection or cancer, particularly skin cancer or lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. If you combine cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified) with drugs such azathioprine (Imuran), cancer chemotherapy, methotrexate (Rheumatrex), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus, which impair immune system function, your risk may increase (Prograf). Inform your doctor if you’re taking any of these drugs and if you currently have or have ever had cancer of any kind. Plan to minimise unnecessary or prolonged sun exposure, and while undergoing treatment, use protective clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen to lower your chance of developing skin cancer. Make a quick call to your doctor if you encounter any of the following signs: Sore throat, fever, chills, and other symptoms of an infection; flu-like symptoms; coughing; difficulty urinating; pain when urinating; lumps or masses anywhere on the body; night sweats; swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groyne; difficulty breathing; chest pain; weakness or fatigue that does not go away; or pain, swelling, or fullness in the stomach.

High blood pressure and renal damage are potential side effects of cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified). If you have high blood pressure or have ever had kidney disease, let your doctor know. Additionally, let your physician know if you are taking any of the following drugs: colchicine, fenofibrate (Antara, Lipophen, Tricor), gemfibrozil (Lopid), amphotericin B (Amphotec, Fungizone), cimetidine (Tagamet), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gentamicin; ketoconazole (Nizoral), melphalan (Alkeran), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications including diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), sulindac (Clinoril), ranitidine (Zantac), tobramycin (Tobi), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), and vancomycin are just (Vancocin). Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: nausea; quick, shallow breathing; swelling in the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or an erratic pulse.

In the event that you have psoriasis, be sure to inform your doctor of any current and former psoriasis treatments and medications. If you have ever received treatment for psoriasis with PUVA (psoralen and UVA), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), or other immune-suppressive drugs, UVB (exposure to ultraviolet B light to treat psoriasis), coal tar, or radiation therapy, your risk of developing skin cancer is increased. While taking cyclosporine (modified) to treat psoriasis, you should not receive treatment with PUVA, UVB, or immune system-suppressing drugs.

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To determine how your body is responding to cyclosporine or cyclosporine, your doctor may prescribe specific lab tests (modified).

When an organ transplant recipient receives a kidney, liver, or heart transplant, cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified) are administered along with other drugs to prevent transplant rejection (the recipient’s immune system attacking the donated organ). When methotrexate (Rheumatrex) alone was ineffective in treating a patient’s rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (arthritis brought on by swelling of the lining of the joints), cyclosporine (modified) is additionally employed. In some individuals who have not responded well to conventional therapies, modified cyclosporine is also used to treat psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches to appear on particular body parts. Immunosuppressants are a group of drugs that includes cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified). They function by reducing immune system activity.

Both cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified) are available as liquid solutions and capsules for oral use. Typically, cyclosporine is given once day. Most people take modified cyclosporine twice a day. Both forms of cyclosporine should be taken on a regular basis. Allow the same amount of time between dosages and meals each day and take cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified) at the same time(s) every day. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. Follow the prescription for cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified) strictly. Never take the drug in larger or less amounts, or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

During your treatment, your doctor will probably change the dosage of cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified). Your doctor will likely start you on a high dose of the medicine and gradually reduce it if you are taking either form of cyclosporine to avoid transplant rejection. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of the medicine and gradually raise it if you are taking cyclosporine (modified) to treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. If the drug is causing you to have side effects, your doctor might also lower your dose. Inform your doctor of your feelings as you receive treatment.

Although it does not treat psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, modified cyclosporine helps manage its symptoms. It can take 2 weeks or more for your symptoms to start to get better if you’re using modified cyclosporine for psoriasis, and it might take 12 to 16 weeks before you start to feel the full effects of the drug. It may take 4 to 8 weeks for your symptoms to become better if you are taking modified cyclosporine for rheumatoid arthritis. Even if you feel well, keep taking modified cyclosporine. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking modified cyclosporine. Your dose could be gradually reduced by your doctor.

When you open a blister card of cyclosporine capsules, you could detect an odd fragrance. This is typical and doesn’t indicate that the medicine is harmed or harmful to take.

If the oral solution of modified cyclosporine is exposed to temperatures below 68 °F (20 °C), it may gel or become lumpy. The solution can be used even after it has gelled, or it can be heated to room temperature (77 °F [25 °C]) to transform it back into a liquid.

Before using, cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified) oral solution, a liquid must be incorporated. The oral solution of cyclosporine (modified) may be used with apple or orange juice, but not with milk. You can combine the oral cyclosporine solution with milk, chocolate milk, or orange juice. Select one beverage from the list and combine your medication with it every time.

Follow these steps to take either form of oral solution:

• Fill a glass (not a plastic) cup halfway with the beverage of your choice.
• The dosing syringe that came with your medicine should have its protective cover off.
• Pull back on the plunger after inserting the syringe’s tip into the solution container to fill it to the specified level by your doctor.
• To inject the drug into your glass, hold the syringe above the drink and depress the plunger.
• Stir the mixture thoroughly.
• Drink the entire contents of the glass immediately away.
• More of the selected beverage should be added to the glass before you rinse it and then sip it.
• Replace the protective cover after thoroughly drying the syringe’s exterior with a fresh cloth. Avoid using water to wash the syringe. If the syringe does need to be washed, make sure it is totally dry before using it to measure another dose.

In addition to treating Crohn’s disease, which is characterised by the body attacking the lining of the digestive tract and resulting in discomfort, diarrhoea, weight loss, and fever, cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified) are also occasionally used to shield recipients of pancreas or cornea transplants from rejection. Discuss the potential dangers of using this medicine for your illness with your doctor.

Other prescriptions for this drug are possible. For more information, consult your physician or pharmacist.

Before taking cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified),

• If you have any allergies, including to any inactive substances in cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified) capsules or solution, inform your doctor and pharmacist right away. Request a list of the inactive components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements you are currently taking or intend to take. Mention the drugs in the IMPORTANT WARNING section as well as any of the following: Amiodarone (Cordarone), acyclovir (Zovirax), and allopurinol (Zyloprim); medications that block the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), such as benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), fosinopril (Monopril), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), moexipril (Univasc), perindopril (Aceon), quinapril (Accupril); angiotensin II receptor antagonists such telmisartan (Micardis), eprosartan (Teveten), losartan (Cozaar), olmesartan (Benicar), and valsartan (Diovan); azithromycin (Zithromax), bromocriptine (Parlodel), some calcium channel blockers such diltiazem (Cardizem), nicardipine (Cardene), and verapamil (Calan), as well as fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox) as antifungal drugs; atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol), and simvastatin (Zocor) are examples of cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins); clarithromycin (Biaxin) is an antibiotic, erythromycin; danazol; digoxin (Lanoxin); a number of diuretics (often known as “water pills”), such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), and triamterene (Dyazide); HIV protease inhibitors such imatinib (Gleevec), metoclopramide (Reglan), methylprednisolone (Medrol), nafcillin, octreotide (Sandostatin), oral contraceptives (birth control pills), orlistat (Xenical), and ritonavir (Norvir, in Kaletra), as well as indinavir (Crixivan), prednisolone (Pediapred), repaglinide (Prandin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), sulfinpyrazone (Anturane), terbinafine (Lamisil), potassium supplements, phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), phenytoin (Dilantin), terbina (Ticlid). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a closer eye on you for adverse effects.
• Sirolimus (Rapamune) should be taken four hours after cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified).
• Please let your doctor know if you are taking any herbal supplements, especially St. John’s wort.
• Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions or any of the ones listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section: Low levels of magnesium in the blood, liver illness, low cholesterol, any condition that makes it harder for your body to absorb nutrients
• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Call your doctor if you become pregnant while taking either type of cyclosporine. Both varieties of cyclosporine run the danger of making your child premature.
• If you are currently breastfeeding or plan to do so, let your doctor know.
• Avoid getting shots without first consulting your doctor.
• You ought to be aware that cyclosporine might lead to the development of additional tissue in your gums. You lessen the likelihood that you will experience this side effect, make sure to wash your teeth thoroughly and visit the dentist frequently while you are receiving treatment.

Do not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice when taking cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified).

Your physician could advise you to restrict the potassium in your diet. Pay close attention to these directions. Consult your doctor about your dietary intake of potassium rich foods including bananas, prunes, raisins, and orange juice. Ask your doctor if you can use potassium-containing salt alternatives while you’re undergoing therapy.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it if you forget to take a medication. If the next dose is soon due, skip the missed one and carry on with your regular dosing plan. To make up for a missing dose, do not take a second one.

Side effects are possible with cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified). If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Gas
• Larger growth of hair on the arms, back, or face.
• More gum tissue growth
• Acne
• Flushing
• Uncontrolled trembling in a bodily component
• Tingling or burning in the legs, feet, arms, or hands
• Joint or muscle ache
• Cramps
• Pressure or discomfort in the face
• Ear issues
• Male breast enlargement
• Depression
• Having trouble falling or staying asleep

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms or any of those detailed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section:

• Uncommon bruising or bleeding
• Light skin
• Eyes or skin that have a yellow tint
• Seizures
• Consciousness is lost
• Alterations in mood or conduct
• Having trouble regulating body movements
• Alterations to vision
• Confusion
• Rash
• Spots of purple colour on the skin
• Edoema of the lower legs, lower arms, feet, ankles, or hands

The side effects of cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified) may vary. If you encounter any odd issues while using either medicine, consult your doctor.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). This medication shouldn’t be frozen or kept in the fridge. After two months from when you originally opened the bottle, throw away any leftover solution.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

As many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Additionally, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Overdose symptoms could include:

• Eyes or skin that have a yellow tint
• Swelling in the lower legs, ankles, feet, or hands.

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.