Neoral

Cyclosporine Drug Information

• Neoral Overview

  Cyclosporine is used to prevent organ rejection in people who have received a liver, kidney, or heart transplant. It is usually taken along with other medications to allow your new organ to function normally. Cyclosporine belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. It works by weakening the immune system to help your body accept the new organ as if it were your own.

• Neoral Warnings

  Cyclosporine lowers your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. This effect may also increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer (such as skin cancer, lymphoma). Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection or cancer such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough, burning/frequent urination, unusual skin changes, change in appearance or size of moles, unusual weight loss, swollen lymph glands, unusual lumps, night sweats. Cyclosporine can also cause high blood pressure and kidney problems. The risk of both problems increases with higher doses and longer treatment with Neoral. Your doctor will monitor your blood pressure and kidney function while you take Neoral. Psoriasis patients who have had certain previous treatments (such as coal tar, methotrexate, radiation treatment, light treatment with PUVA/UVB) are at increased risk to develop skin cancer. Talk to your doctor of the risks and benefits of Neoral. Different brands of Neoral may deliver different amounts of medication. Do not switch brands of cyclosporine without your doctor's permission and directions.

• How to Use Neoral

  Take Neoral by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. You may take Neoral with or without food, but it is important to choose one way and take Neoral the same way with every dose. The Dosage of Neoral is based on your weight, medical condition, lab tests, and response to treatment. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using Neoral unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Use Neoral regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

• Neoral Precautions

  Before taking cyclosporine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Neoral may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Neoral, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, cancer, skin lesions of unknown cause, radiation treatment (including light treatment with PUVA or UVB), mineral imbalance (such as low level of magnesium or high level of potassium), recent/current infections, high cholesterol/triglycerides levels. Neoral may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Neoral may contain alcohol. Caution is advised if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or have liver disease, alcohol dependence, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid alcohol in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Neoral safely. Cyclosporine can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). Neoral may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Your doctor may direct you to avoid phototherapy while you use Neoral. Ask your doctor for details. Neoral may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes that contain potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be at greater risk for kidney problems or high blood pressure while using Neoral. During pregnancy, Neoral should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby or cause other problems with the baby such as being born too early (premature) or having low birth weight. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Neoral passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Neoral is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Neoral Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Neoral, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Neoral Interactions

  See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.coal tar, orlistat, other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as natalizumab, rituximab, tofacitinib), drugs that may increase potassium levels (such as potassium supplements, certain diuretics/"water pills" including amiloride, spironolactone), tacrolimus. Other medications can affect the removal of cyclosporine from your body, which may affect how cyclosporine works. Examples include boceprevir, bosentan, mifepristone, St. John's wort, telaprevir, among others. Neoral can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include aliskiren, dabigatran, dronedarone, elagolix, flibanserin, simeprevir, certain statins (such as atorvastatin, pitavastatin, simvastatin), voxilaprevir, among others.

• Neoral Side Effects

  What are Neoral side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Neoral may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Neoral as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Neoral

  The side effects of Neoral may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Neoral. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Neoral may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Neoral, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Neoral.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Neoral, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Neoral and the side effects associated with Neoral are described in the following:

  Common Neoral Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypertension
  • gingival hyperplasia
  • nephrotoxicity

  Less Severe

  • dyspepsia
  • hirsutism
  • dizziness
  • flu-like symptoms
  • pain
  • tremor
  • edema
  • headache disorder
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain with cramps

  Less Frequent Neoral Side Effects

  Severe

  • infection
  • hypomagnesemia
  • seizure disorder
  • skin rash
  • jaundice
  • dyspnea
  • chest pain
  • bacterial sepsis
  • fungal infection

  Less Severe

  • acne vulgaris
  • cramps in legs
  • paresthesia
  • nausea
  • flatulence
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal distension
  • migraine
  • gastritis
  • tinnitus
  • dyschromia

  Rare or Very Rare Neoral Side Effects

  Severe

  • malignant lymphoma
  • neoplasm
  • hyperkalemia
  • anemia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • visual changes
  • hearing loss
  • thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • peptic ulcer
  • interstitial nephritis
  • renal failure
  • hematuria
  • encephalopathy
  • hyperglycemia
  • anaphylaxis
  • angioedema
  • viral infection
  • BK polyomavirus reactivation nephropathy
  • parasitic infection
  • hyperuricemia
  • hepatic failure
  • cholestasis
  • progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
  • acute myocardial infarction
  • pancreatitis
  • upper GI bleed
  • posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome
  • hepatitis

  Less Severe

  • acute confusion
  • dysgeusia
  • onychia sicca
  • myalgias
  • fever
  • anorexia
  • hiccups
  • hyperkeratosis
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • constipation
  • depression
  • arthralgias
  • lethargy
  • stomatitis
  • night sweats
  • pruritus of skin
  • dysphagia
  • weight loss
  • general weakness
  • sinusitis
  • gynecomastia

• Neoral Storage

  Store in the original blister pack at room temperature away from heat and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Neoral when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.