Ciclosporin - Intravenous


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Ciclosporin is used on its own or together with other medicines to prevent organ rejection in heart, kidney, and liver transplants.

It may also be used to treat chronic organ rejection.

This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
How do I use this medicine?
Ciclosporin is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
What should I do if I have forgotten to use this medicine?
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Ciclosporin.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
When should I not use this medicine?
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Ciclosporin.
What should I take note of while using this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • high level of uric acid in the blood
  • subjected to potassium-rich diet
  • liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
  • Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, cholesterol, sugar, and electrolyte levels) may be done while you are being treated with Ciclosporin.
  • Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.
  • Regular monitoring of hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) may also be needed.
Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
What side effects could I experience?
Ciclosporin may cause any of the following side effects: headache, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain or discomfort, tiredness, excessive hair growth, uncontrollable shaking of your body, muscle cramps, numbness and abnormal tingling sensation, swelling of the gums, flushing and acne.

This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
  • flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, joint pain
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark coloured urine, swelling in the legs and ankles
  • abnormal decrease in frequency and amount of urine, blood in urine, weight gain
  • fits or seizures
  • lump in armpit, groin, or neck
  • unusual bruising or bleeding
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I use this with other medicines?
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with Ciclosporin. Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
  • antibiotics e.g. azithromycin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, vancomycin, co-trimoxazole
  • medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, amphotericin B
  • medicines for high blood pressure e.g. nifedipine, amlodipine, candesartan, captopril
  • water pills or medicines for water retention e.g. spironolactone
  • cholesterol-lowering medicines e.g. atorvastatin, fenofibrate
  • NSAIDs (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. diclofenac, naproxen
  • stomach medicines e.g. cimetidine
  • medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizure) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
  • medicines for cancer e.g. melphalan
  • medicine to treat TB (a lung infection known as tuberculosis) e.g. rifampicin
  • other medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders e.g. everolimus, sirolimus, tacrolimus
  • medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, delavirdine
  • bosentan (medicine used to treat high blood pressure that affects the blood vessels in your lungs)
  • St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Ciclosporin.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol and grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Ciclosporin - Intravenous and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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