Ciclosporin
About
Ciclosporin belongs to the class of medicine called 'immunosuppressant' that helps to reduce the pain/inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis conditions and is also used to treat severe psoriasis. Besides this, it also prevents organ rejection after a kidney, heart, or liver transplant. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that leads to joint pain and damage. Psoriasis is a long-lasting, inflammatory skin illness.
Ciclosporin contains 'cyclosporine' that works by reducing the function of the cells, causing inflammation, especially in the joint tissues, thereby decreasing pain and inflammation and slowing down the joint damage and disease progression over time. Besides this, after an organ transplant, your body will try to attack the new organ as it sees it as foreign. Ciclosporin helps stop your body from rejecting a new organ by suppressing your immune system.
You are advised to take Ciclosporin for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical conditions. You may experience headaches, vomiting, nausea, high blood pressure, increased growth of hair, loss of appetite (feeling unwell and upset stomach), kidney disease, and diarrhoea. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Ciclosporin for as long as your doctor has prescribed. To avoid recurring symptoms, do not stop it midway. Before taking Ciclosporin inform your doctor if you have any allergies, kidney disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and any type of cancer. Ciclosporin should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medicines to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Uses of Ciclosporin
Medicinal Benefits
Ciclosporin belongs to the class of medicine called 'immunosuppressant' that helps to reduce the pain/inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis conditions and is also used to treat severe psoriasis. Besides this, it also prevents organ rejection after a kidney, heart, or liver transplant. Ciclosporin contains 'cyclosporine' that works by reducing the function of the cells, causing inflammation, especially in the joint tissues, thereby decreasing pain and inflammation and slowing down the joint damage and disease progression over time. Besides this, after an organ transplant, your body will try to attack the new organ as it sees it as foreign. Ciclosporin helps stop your body from rejecting a new organ by suppressing your immune system.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Ciclosporin
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- High blood pressure
- Increased growth of hair
- Loss of appetite (feeling unwell and having an upset stomach)
- Kidney disease
- Diarrhoea
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Ciclosporin if you are allergic to any immunosuppressant medicines or Cyclosporine. Let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, low levels of magnesium, and high levels of potassium. Ciclosporin may make you more susceptible to infections; consult your doctor if you develop any signs of severe conditions such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding, or bruising. Before taking Ciclosporin inform your doctor if you have any type of cancer. Ciclosporin should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk. Inform your doctor about your health condition and medicines to rule out any unpleasant side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Ciclosporin may have interaction with other immunosuppressant medicines (tacrolimus), anti-gout (thiopurine), water pills/diuretics (amiloride, spironolactone), blood pressure-lowering pills (aliskiren), cholesterol-lowering pills (atorvastatin, pitavastatin, simvastatin). antibiotics (such as erythromycin or azithromycin), antifungals (voriconazole, itraconazole), medicines used for heart problems or high blood pressure (diltiazem, verapamil, amiodarone), used to treat menstrual problems (danazol), medicines used to treat gout (allopurinol), used to treat hepatitis C (colchicine, telaprevir).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Ciclosporin.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Ciclosporin. It could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether Ciclosporin will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended to take Ciclosporin while you are breastfeeding. Ciclosporin passes into breast milk.
Driving
cautionDrive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionTake Ciclosporin only if prescribed by the doctor, especially if you are dealing with Liver diseases/conditions, as your doctor may adjust the dose as required.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment before taking Ciclosporin.
Children
unsafeCiclosporin should not be given to children, as the efficacy and safety have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles and relieves joint stiffness. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Performing yoga may also help in improving joint flexibility and pain management.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Get adequate sleep, as resting the muscles can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Follow heat or cold therapy, and apply a cold or hot compress on the joints for 15-20 minutes regularly.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Acupuncture, massage, and physical therapy may also be helpful.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, kidney beans, dark chocolate, etc.
- Foods containing flavonoids help in reducing inflammation. These include soy, berries, broccoli, grapes, and green tea.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
Special Advise
- Use sunscreen while taking Ciclosporin, as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and may cause skin cancer.
- Long-term use of Ciclosporin may increase your risk of developing cancers like blood cancer, skin cancer, and immune system cancer (lymphoma).
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that leads to joint pain and damage. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, inflammation of joints, difficulty moving, and swelling.
Organ (kidney, heart, or liver) transplant rejection: When you get a new organ transplanted into your body, your body recognizes it as a foreign element and tries to attack and reject it because it is not originally part of your body. So, immunosuppressant drugs like cyclosporine are given to such patients to suppress their immune system to prevent an attack on a newly transplanted organ. The goal is to adjust immunosuppressants to prevent rejection and minimize any side effects of the drugs.
Psoriasis: It is a long-lasting, inflammatory skin illness. It is not infectious but has a tendency to run in families. It causes itchy and red patches on the skin.
FAQs
Ciclosporin acts as an immunosuppressant, which helps in reducing inflammation and prevents joint stiffness, thereby providing relief from rheumatoid arthritis.
If you miss a dose of Ciclosporin, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Ciclosporin. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in your stools (tarry stools) or experience excess diarrhoea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Yes, using Ciclosporin may cause abnormal hair growth, although it does not affect everybody. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Ciclosporin is known to decrease the immune system. As a result, it increases your risk of developing cancers, especially of the skin. You should reduce your contact with sunlight and UV light by wearing suitable protective clothing. Sunscreen should be used regularly.
