Side effects of cyclosporine include: Tremors, headache, gum swelling, hair growth, fluid retention, high blood pressure, decreased kidney function, hot flashes, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, rash, increased risk of infection, joint discomfort, leg cramping, decreased magnesium levels, increased potassium levels, increased cholesterol levels.
Immunological Agent
Immunological drugs and vaccines treat autoimmune diseases and disorders, and infectious diseases. Learn more about immunological drugs from our experts.
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Multiple Sclerosis Foundation answeredPhysicians in Boston have reported two cases of melanoma (skin cancer) that developed in women who were administered Tysabri (natalizumab) to treat their multiple sclerosis (MS). John T. Mullen, MD and two colleagues at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, Boston reported the cases in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The melanomas developed early in the course of treatment, but it cannot be confirmed from these case reports that Tysabri caused them. However, the authors advise against treating individuals with Tysabri when there is a personal or family history of melanoma or in patients with atypical moles or ocular nevus, which is a spot on the eye that can develop into melanoma.
Dr. Mullen's team reports that a 46-year-old woman developed a melanoma shortly after receiving her first dose of Tysabri. In a 45-year-old woman with a family history of melanoma, an ocular nevus developed into a melanoma after several doses.
A case of melanoma also appeared in the atrial fibrillation follow-up investigation of rhythm management (AFFIRM) study (which involved 942 individuals with relapsing MS, who received either Tysabri or placebo by IV infusion every four weeks for more than two years) in a patient with a history of malignant melanoma.
"Neurologists who have patients who report a family history of melanoma or have unusual moles should send them to a dermatologist first. Don't just start them on drugs [Tysabri]," said Dr. John Thomas Mullen, co-author of the letter and a surgical oncologist with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.
Tysabri may have a dampening effect on the immune system that encourages the formation of the potentially deadly skin cancer, the letter stated.
"This new report warrants another dose of cautious observation for Tysabri," adds MSF Medical Advisor Ben Thrower, M.D. "Potential Tysabri patients should be screened for any history of melanoma, as mentioned. One could argue that any prior abnormal tissue growth may make Tysabri use riskier for that patient. The thought is that maybe Tysabri interferes with tumor cell surveillance and one would have to question whether this applies to all cancer types. In our practice, Tysabri is only considered in patients with active MS, who have failed both interferon and glatiramer acetate. This new report means that Tysabri is probably not ready for consideration as a first-line option for relapsing forms of MS." -
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answeredShare your entire medical history with your doctor before taking Prograf, which can damage the kidneys. If you have kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, certain heart rhythm problems, or are taking medications to treat other illnesses, including chemotherapy for cancer, it's important that you and your doctor discuss the benefits and risks of using this immune suppressant drug. Also, tell your doctor if you're planning on becoming pregnant or are breastfeeding. Before using Prograf, your doctor may need to adjust the dose to prevent interaction with other medications that you're taking. -
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered
Restasis has not been deemed a safe and effective medication for children younger than 16. Your pediatrician will advise you on how and if you should administer this drug to a child. Before prescribing the medication, your doctor will need to know a complete medical history and current medications your child is taking, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies.
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredCyclosporine controls psoriasis for many people. In up to 90%, symptoms greatly improve or clear up completely. It works quickly against severe flare-ups. It also works well for nail and pustular psoriasis.
This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. -
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredCyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral) is a drug that suppresses the immune system. It is taken as a daily pill. It is used most often for people with widespread or disabling psoriasis who do not get relief with other treatments. Cyclosporine is usually given for 3 months or less, and should not be used for more than a year.
Cyclosporine works quickly against psoriasis and cannot be used long-term. So it is often combined with other psoriasis drugs, such as methotrexate or adalimumab. After several weeks (as the other drug reaches full effect), cyclosporine can be reduced and stopped. But people should not have UV light treatment while taking cyclosporine.
This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. -
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredIf you are taking any of the following medications, cyclosporine can lead to side effects and should be avoided:
- aliskiren
- bosentan
- cholic acid
- dabrafenib
- dronedarone
- enzalutamide
- eplerenone
- a fibric acid derivative
- fingolimod
- foscarnet
- fusidic acid
- idelalisib
- imipenem
- mifepristone
- mitoxantrone
- natalizumab
- pimecrolimus
- pimozide
- a potassium-sparing diuretic
- a protease inhibitor for hepatitis C virus
- silodosin
- a statin
- tacrolimus
- tofacitinib
- topotecan
- a tyrosine kinase inhibitor
- conivaptan
- vincristine
- an aminoglycoside
- amphotericin B
- an androgen
- denosumab
- doxorubicin
- leflunomide
- a loop diuretic
- melphalan
- methotrexate
- minoxidil
- a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
- sirolimus
- a sulfonamide
- temsirolimus
This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. -
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredYour doctor will need to perform blood tests before you start treatment.
If you have an immune system problem, cyclosporine may not be a good option for you.
Cyclosporine is not recommended for people with psoriatic arthritis affecting the spine or sacroiliac joints.
If you have cancer, you should not take cyclosporine.
If you have uncontrolled hypertension, you should not take cyclosporine.
If you have impaired kidney function, you should not take cyclosporine.
Cyclosporine may not be a good option for you if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant. It is not known if it is safe for pregnant women.
You should not take cyclosporine if you are breastfeeding.
This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. -
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredSide effects involve the eyes and may include burning, pain, itching, stinging, feeling like something is in the eye, a watery discharge, and blurry vision. Some people have an allergic reaction that causes the face, tongue, or throat to swell.
This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. -
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Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answeredIt is not known if cyclosporine eyedrops are safe or effective for children under 16 years old.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or may be pregnant, cyclosporine eyedrops may not be good options for you. It is not known if they are safe for pregnant women.
If you are breastfeeding, cyclosporine eyedrops may not be a good option for you. It is not known if they can be passed into breast milk.
This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.