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Sandimmune

Sandimmune

(cyclosporine)

Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) belongs to the groups of medications known as immunosuppressant agents. It is used to prevent the rejection of organ transplants and bone marrow transplants by suppressing the body's natural defense, the immune system.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable

50MG/ML

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Sandimmune information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended dose of Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) varies according to weight and circumstances. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on levels of Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) in your blood stream.

For solid organ transplants, the recommended oral dose is 10 mg to 15 mg per kilogram of body weight daily (in 2 divided doses), starting at least 12 hours before surgery. The dose usually stays the same for 1 or 2 weeks after the operation, and then is reduced gradually by the doctor so that a particular level of the medication in the bloodstream is reached. If you have been given the injection to start with, the usual starting dose is 3 mg to 5 mg per kg of body weight per day given into a vein (intravenously). The doctor will likely try to switch you over to one of the oral forms of the medication.

For bone marrow transplants, the first dose is normally given by injection the day before the operation at a dose of 3 mg to 5 mg per kg of body weight. The oral form of the medication is then usually given at a daily dose of about 12.5 mg per kilogram of body weight in 2 divided doses. This dose is usually continued for 3 to 6 months and then decreased gradually until it is stopped, about one year after the operation.

For treatment of psoriasis, the recommended oral starting dose is 2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day in 2 divided doses. If no improvement is seen in one month, the doctor may increase the daily dose gradually. The daily dose of Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) should not go above 5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. If there is still no improvement after 6 weeks of treatment, the treatment should be stopped. If the psoriasis improves, the doctor may gradually decrease the dose. Psoriasis often returns once the medication is stopped, so the goal of treatment is usually to find the smallest dose that will be effective.

For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the recommended oral dose is 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day in 2 divided doses for the first 6 weeks of treatment. If the desired improvement is not seen, the doctor may increase the dose gradually as long as the medication is still well tolerated.

For nephrotic syndrome, the recommended oral starting dose is 3.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for adults and 4.2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for children. People with reduced kidney function should not receive more than 2.5 mg per kg body weight per day. The dose is usually increased to a maximum of 5 mg per kilogram in adults, or 6 mg per kilogram in children. Treatment should be stopped if no improvement is seen within 3 months of starting treatment.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are receiving the medication without consulting your doctor.

The injectable form of Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) is given by infusion into a vein over several hours by a health care professional in a hospital setting. The injectable form of Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) should be stored away from light at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. It should not be frozen or put in the refrigerator.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Sandimmune (Cyclosporine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

abdominal pain
Acne or oily skin
decreased appetite
Diarrhea
fatigue
headache, including migraine
hot flushes
increase in hair growth
muscle cramps or leg cramps
nausea
night sweats
numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
trembling hands (tremor)
vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

agitation
anxiety
bleeding, tender, or enlarged gums
confusion
decreased coordination
difficulty sleeping
disorientation
hearing loss
increased blood pressure
muscle or joint pain
nervousness
numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
rash
severe nausea or vomiting
signs of Anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools; spitting up of blood; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
signs of clotting problems (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)

symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
signs of infection (symptoms may include Fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
signs of kidney problems (e.g., increased urination at night, decreased urine production, blood in the urine)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
symptoms of too much potassium in the body (e.g., muscle fatigue, weakness, difficulty moving, abnormal heart rhythms, nausea)
tremor
vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

facial swelling
flushing of face and neck
inability to move part or all of the body (paralysis)
seizures
sign of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., swelling of the mouth, tongue, or eyes)
wheezing or shortness of breath

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Sandimmune (Cyclosporine).

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 Sandimmune (Cyclosporine).

Cancer: Sandimmune (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 Sandimmune (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 Sandimmune (Cyclosporine). Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Dental health: It is particularly important to maintain good dental hygiene while you are on this medication, and to see a dentist regularly for teeth cleaning.

High blood pressure: Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) may cause high blood pressure. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure regularly while you are taking Sandimmune (Cyclosporine).

High Cholesterol: Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) may increase cholesterol. Your doctor should monitor the amount of cholesterol in your blood regularly while you are taking Sandimmune (Cyclosporine).

Infection: Sandimmune (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: Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) can have harmful effects on the kidney when 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 Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandimmune (Cyclosporine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: People taking Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) may have changes in liver function that produce abnormal liver test results. Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandimmune (Cyclosporine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Your doctor will likely recommend regular liver tests while you are taking this medication. If you have severe changes in liver function, your doctor may recommend that you take a lower dose of Sandimmune (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: Sandimmune (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.

Vaccines: People taking Sandimmune (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 this medication.

Pregnancy: Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) should be used during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) without guidance from your doctor.

Breast-feeding: Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) passes into breast milk and may affect your baby. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Sandimmune (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. Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) is not recommended for children in the treatment of psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.

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