Cyclosporine: how to take it safely
Neoral, Sandimmune
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Prevents organ rejection after transplants, and treats severe psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and eczema.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water, or mix the liquid in orange juice or squash (not grapefruit) in a glass, and drink straight away.
- You will need regular blood tests.
When to take it
Take it twice a day, about 12 hours apart, at the same times.
Take it with
Always the same way: always with food, or always without food.
What to avoid
- Switching between brands without your doctor's advice.
- Grapefruit juice and St John's wort.
- Live vaccines.
- Salt substitutes and potassium supplements.
- Missing blood tests.
- Strong sunlight.
Possible side effects
Tremor, high blood pressure, swollen gums, extra hair growth, kidney changes, headache, infections.
Get help if
Reduced urine, fever, signs of infection, severe headache, vision changes, seizures or swollen painful gums: see a doctor straight away.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.