Cyclosporine was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 13, 2000, to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. 

Cyclosporine is used in the prevention of organ rejection (Kidney, liver, and heart) and in the treatment of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

Cyclosporine is available in the form of capsule, injection and oral solution. Cyclosporine Capsule is available in the doses 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Your healthcare provider will administer Cyclosporine 50mg Injection if you are unable to tolerate oral capsule or suspension. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the accurate dose based on the organ transplanted, body weight and health condition. 
 

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Although all drugs can cause side effects, not everyone experiences them.

Serious side effects of Cyclosporine:

• Kidney damage, which may lead to renal dysfunction and elevated serum creatinine levels
• Liver damage, which may include jaundice, hepatitis, or liver failure
• Severe allergic reactions (swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or swallowing)
• Thrombotic Microangiopathy (blood clots affecting small blood vessels, leading to organ damage)
• Infections (serious bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, including opportunistic infections)

Common side effects of Cyclosporine:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea)
• Tremors or shaking
• Hair growth (unwanted body hair)
• Swelling (oedema, particularly in the ankles and feet)
• Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels)
• Hyperuricemia (elevated uric acid levels, leading to gout)

• Immune system suppression: Increases the risk of infections, including serious bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
• Kidney damage: This can cause kidney dysfunction and structural damage, requiring regular monitoring of renal function.
• Liver damage: This may lead to liver injury, including jaundice and hepatitis.
• Increased blood pressure (Hypertension): Cyclosporine can elevate blood pressure, requiring monitoring and management.
• Neurological side effects: May cause tremors, convulsions, or encephalopathy, including rare cases of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES).
• Hypersensitivity reactions: Possible allergic reactions, including swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or skin rash.
• Hematologic changes: These may cause low blood cell counts, leading to anaemia, thrombocytopenia, or leukopenia.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Can cause changes in potassium (hyperkalemia) and uric acid (hyperuricemia) levels.

Cyclosporine has the ability to cause fetal harm, so it is advisable to tell your physician if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. This medicine also has the tendency to increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels in pregnant women. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment, as Cyclosporine can impact the growth and development of the baby by passing into the breast milk. It is important to take certain precautions when using Cyclosporine. 

These include reading and following the recommended dosage instructions provided by the manufacturer, purchasing from reputable sources to ensure quality, being aware of potential interactions with medications or existing health conditions, and monitoring for any allergic reactions or adverse effects.

Cyclosporine can make your skin sensitive. Apply sunscreen with a good SPF and wear protective clothing before you step out in the sun. Tell your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Cyclosporine contains alcohol in a small amount. Although this has a negligible effect on your ability to drive, avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or tired.  

When taking cyclosporine, you should closely monitor infections, kidney and liver function, blood pressure, and any neurological symptoms. Avoid stopping the medication abruptly, as this can increase the risk of organ rejection in transplant patients or worsen autoimmune conditions. 

Schedule routine blood tests to monitor blood cell counts and electrolyte levels. Manage diabetes carefully if you're at risk. Take extra precautions when using cyclosporine in pediatric and geriatric patients. Watch for any psychological effects, and maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use.

1. Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2022] [Accessed on 15th Sep 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1036.pdf

2. AbbVie Inc., [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 15th Sep 2022], https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/gengraf-oral.pdf

3. AbbVie Inc., [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 15th Sep 2022], https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/gengraf-cap.pdf

4. Alan M. Krensky, Jamil R. Azzi, and David A. Hafler, Goodman & Gilman’s Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Immunosuppressants and Tolerogens, 13th Edition, 2018, 637-653.

5. Carolina Tapia; Trevor A. Nessel; Patrick M. Zito, Cyclosporine, StatPearls [Internet], [Revised on 15th Nov 2021] [Accessed on 15th Sep 2022], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482450/

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.