|
Cyclosporine-Oral
(Sandimmune,
Neoral, Atopica)
Common
Drug Name:
Cyclosporine
Common
Brand Names:
Sandimmune, Neoral, Atopica Generic products are available.
Storage:
Store at
room temperature (70-77°F), in a tight, light resistant, childproof container.
Protect from freezing and do not refrigerate. If the oral suspension or
noncompounded capsules are stored at less than 68°F, they may gel. If this
occurs, allow to warm to room temperature. Shake the oral liquid before using.
After opening the oral liquid, use it within 2 months. If the capsules come in a
foil blister pack, do not open the pack until ready to use.
Uses
Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system and is used to treat immunemediated
diseases, especially those involving the blood or skin. It may also be used in
the treatment of anal fistulas in dogs, asthma in cats, and to prevent rejection
of transplanted organs. One brand, Atopica, is approved for use to treat atopy
(allergy to inhaled substances.)
Dose
and Administration: IMPORTANT:
Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your veterinarian. If you have
difficulty giving the medication, contact your veterinarian. Give this
medication without food. If side effects related to the digestive system are
observed, contact your veterinarian, who may direct you to give the medication
with a small amount of food. Cyclosporine is bitter. Do not open the capsules
and attempt to give the contents by sprinkling on the food. If you miss a dose,
give it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip
the one you missed and go back to the regular schedule. Do not give 2 doses at
once. This medication should only be given to the pet for whom it was
prescribed.
Possible
Side Effects:
May see
loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. More rarely, may see overgrowth of the
gums, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, and increased hair growth. Contact your
veterinarian if you notice any of the above signs. At high doses, immune system
suppression may occur, making a pet more susceptible to infection. Contact your
veterinarian if your pet has a fever (over 103°F), painful urination, tiredness,
sneezing, coughing, or runny eyes. If your pet experiences an allergic reaction
to the medication, signs may include facial swelling, hives, scratching, sudden
onset of diarrhea, vomiting, shock, seizures, pale gums, cold limbs, or coma. If
you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Precautions:
Not for
use in animals hypersensitive (allergic) to it or other ingredients. Use with
caution in animals with kidney or liver disease. Do not use in breeding or
pregnant animals. If the mother is receiving cyclosporine, place the offspring
on milk replacer after they have received the colostrum (first milk immediately
after birth). There are two brands of the oral liquid form (Sandimmune and
Neoral). They are not the same strength, so one should not be substituted for
the other. Cyclosporine is inactivated by some plastics. Do not leave the
medication in plastic cups or syringes for a long time or it may lose its
effectiveness. Cyclosporine can become toxic if its level in the blood becomes
too high. Consult with your veterinarian regarding the physical examinations and
laboratory testing necessary prior to and during treatment with cyclosporine.
Drug,
Food, and Test Interactions:
Consult
your veterinarian before using cyclosporine-oral with vitamins and supplements,
digoxin, etoposide, and corticosteroids, amiodarone, androgens (testosterone),
azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), erythromycin, calcium channel
blockers (diltiazem), corticosteroids, metoclopramide trimethoprim/sulfa,
rifampin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, terbinafine, probucol, omeprazole
aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin) or amphotericin, vaccines, or modified live
vaccines, since interactions may occur.
Signs
of Toxicity/Overdose:
May see
loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, jaundice (yellowing of
gums, skin, or eyes), vomiting, or lethargy. If you know or suspect your pet has
had an overdose, or if you observe any of these signs in your pet, contact your
veterinarian immediately. Keep this and all other medications out of the
reach of children and pets.
** This information may not cover all possible uses,
directions, side effects, precautions, allergic reactions, drug interactions, or
withdrawal times. Always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice
concerning the treatment of your pet.
If you have questions about this
medication, please call our Pharmacy at (877) 815-6337 for a consultation
|
