Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Apo Cyclosporine.
Cancer: Cyclosporine reduces the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). This may increase your risk of developing infections and cancer, especially those of the skin and lymphoid tissue.
People with psoriasis may be at increased risk of developing skin cancer as a result of previous psoriasis treatments. While you are taking cyclosporine, it is important to limit your exposure to the sun and use appropriate sun protection such as sunscreen and protective clothing. Your doctor will monitor you for skin cancer while you are taking Apo Cyclosporine. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Dental health: It is particularly important to maintain good dental hygiene while taking Apo Cyclosporine, and to see a dentist regularly for teeth cleaning.
High blood pressure: Apo Cyclosporine may cause high blood pressure. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure regularly while you are taking Apo Cyclosporine.
High Cholesterol: Apo Cyclosporine may increase cholesterol. Your doctor should monitor the amount of cholesterol in your blood regularly while you are taking cyclosporine.
Infection: Cyclosporine works by reducing the number of white blood cells in the body, making it easier to develop an infection. If possible, avoid contact with people who have contagious infections. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Kidney function: Cyclosporine can have harmful effects on the kidney when it is taken for long periods of time. If you experience signs of decreased kidney function, such as reduced urine production; fluid build-up; or swelling in the ankles, feet and hands; fatigue; or abdominal pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Apo Cyclosporine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Cyclosporine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: People taking cyclosporine may have changes in liver function that produce abnormal liver test results. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Apo Cyclosporine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Apo Cyclosporine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Cyclosporine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Your doctor will likely recommend regular liver tests while you are taking Apo Cyclosporine. If you have severe changes in liver function, your doctor may recommend that you take a lower dose of Apo Cyclosporine or stop taking it altogether.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Potassium levels: Cyclosporine increases the risk of high levels of potassium in your body, especially for people who have decreased kidney function. Your doctor will monitor the amount of potassium in your blood with blood tests. If you experience unexplained nausea, fatigue, muscle weakness or tingling sensations, contact your doctor, as these may be signs of too much potassium.
Progressive Multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML): There have been reports of PML after using cyclosporine. PML is a rare disorder that causes nerve damage in the brain. If you experience memory loss, vision changes, trouble thinking, seizures, sleeplessness, disorientation, personality changes or difficulty walking, contact your doctor immediately.
Vaccines: People taking cyclosporine may not respond as well to vaccines or may be at risk of becoming ill from a live vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you need any vaccinations while taking Apo Cyclosporine.
Pregnancy: Apo Cyclosporine should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Cyclosporine, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking Apo Cyclosporine without guidance from your doctor.
Breast-feeding: Apo Cyclosporine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking cyclosporine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Many studies have shown that children require higher doses per kilogram of body weight than adults. It is not recommended for children for the treatment of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.
