Ciclosporin (Cyclosporine)

How LONG does it take for the medicine to be EFFECTIVE?

• You need to take it continuously to keep your symptoms under controlled.

When do I seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY?

• Come back to the hospital if you have:

  • Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Excessive diarrhea and/or vomiting despite taking medicine
  • Breathlessness or persisting dry cough

Can I take other MEDICINES or SUPPLEMENTS?

• You should avoid live vaccines such as live polio, yellow fever, rubella (German measles), MMR (measles, mumps and rubella), typhoid and BCG (tuberculosis). Flu and pneumococcal vaccines are safe and may be given if required.
• Always check with the doctor or pharmacist first before self-treatment with any over-the-counter medicines.
• Do not take any supplements, alternative or herbal medicines without informing your doctor.
• Avoid taking grapefruits, pomelo, pineapple, or starfruit during treatment with ciclosporin.

Do I skip dose if I am sick?

• Seek prompt advice from your doctor when you develop any of the serious symptoms of infection described above.
• Your doctor will decide whether to stop ciclosporin on case by case basis.

Can I get PREGNANT or BREASTFEED?

• Experience with ciclosporin in pregnancy is limited. In general, this medication should not be taken during pregnancy.
• If you plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor alternative medicines to best prevent your kidney from being damaged by your immune system.
• For mothers receiving ciclosporin, breastfeeding should be avoided.

In SUMMARY… what you need to know about ciclosporin?

• Take ciclosporin regularly every day
• Always come for your BLOOD TESTS on the scheduled date.
• Beware of the SIDE EFFECTS and when to get immediate medical attention.
• Never take medicines, supplements or herbal treatments OVER-THE-COUNTER without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
• If you (female) intent to start a family, please inform your doctor as ciclosporin may affect your fetus and sperm.
• If you have further questions about Ciclosporin, please call ______________________ (office number) to discuss with your doctor / pharmacist / specialty nurse (please circle as appropriate).