warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Cyclosporine (Neoral)?

You should not use cyclosporine if you are allergic to it. You may not be able to use cyclosporine if you have:

kidney disease;
untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure; or
any type of cancer.

If you are being treated for psoriasis, you should not receive ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA or UVB), radiation treatments, coal tar, or drugs that weaken the immune system (such as methotrexate) while you are receiving cyclosporine.

Cyclosporine affects your immune system, and may cause certain white blood cells to grow out of control. This can lead to cancer, severe brain infection causing disability or death, or a viral infection causing kidney transplant failure. Talk with your doctor about the risks of using this medicine.

MAKE SURE ALL DOCTORS INVOLVED IN YOUR CARE KNOW YOU ARE USING CYCLOSPORINE.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver or kidney disease;
high blood pressure; or
if you are scheduled to receive any vaccine.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while you are using cyclosporine.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Cyclosporine (Neoral)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

problems with speech, thought, vision, or muscle movement (may start gradually and get worse quickly);
a seizure;
severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears;
pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
high potassium level--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
kidney problems--urinating less, swelling in your feet or ankles, feeling tired or short of breath;
liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
signs of infection--fever, chills, flu symptoms, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.

Common side effects may include:

tremors or shaking;
acne, increased growth of facial or body hair;
increased blood pressure;
nausea, diarrhea; or
swollen or painful gums.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Cyclosporine (Neoral)?

Grapefruit may interact with cyclosporine and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products.

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine. The vaccine may not work as well while you are using cyclosporine. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Cyclosporine (Neoral)?

Use Cyclosporine (Neoral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cyclosporine oral is taken by mouth.

Cyclosporine injection is given in a vein if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

You may take oral cyclosporine with or without food, but take it the same way each time. Take the medicine at the same time each day.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Sandimmune oral solution may be mixed with milk, chocolate milk, or orange juice at room temperature to make the medicine taste better. Neoral "modified" (microemulsion) oral solution should be mixed with orange juice or apple juice that is at room temperature.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

You will need frequent medical tests. You must remain under the care of a doctor while you are using cyclosporine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Cyclosporine (Neoral)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.