Part Two of Sandimmune Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of cyclosporine?

  • Notify your doctor immediately if you develop fever or chills, a sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, mouth sores, abdominal pain, pale stools, or darkened urine. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects.
  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking cyclosporine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • unusual tiredness or weakness;
    • cough or hoarseness, fever, or chills;
    • painful or difficult urination;
    • severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
    • unusual bleeding or bruising;
    • seizures; or
    • a sudden unusual feeling of discomfort or illness.
  • Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take cyclosporine and notify your doctor if you experience
    • tremor (shaking);
    • increased bodily hair growth;
    • gum problems;
    • high blood pressure;
    • numbness or tingling; or
    • decreased appetite.
  • Immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclosporine increase your risk of certain types of cancer, such as lymphomas or skin cancer. Ask you doctor about the risks and benefits of cyclosporine in your treatment.
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect cyclosporine?

  • There are many drug/drug interactions with cyclosporine and you should tell your doctor of any drugs you are on and any new drugs, including herbal products, you start. The interactions could alter cyclosporine levels causing a decrease in effectiveness or an increase in side effects. The side effects or effectiveness of the other drugs may also be altered.
  • The following are some examples of medications that may result in a drug/drug interaction when taken with cyclosporine:
    • trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, others), gentamicin (Garamycin, others), and vancomycin (Vancocin);
    • ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), naproxen (Naprosyn, Anaprox, Aleve, others), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam), etodolac (Lodine), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), fenoprofen (Nalfon), indomethacin (Indocin), ketorolac (Toradol), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), and tolmetin (Tolectin);
    • amphotericin B (Fungizone) and ketoconazole (Nizoral);
    • tacrolimus (Prograf);
    • melphalan (Alkeran);
    • cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) and ranitidine (Zantac, Zantac 75);
    • diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR, Tiazac), nicardipine (Cardene), amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) and verapamil (Calan, Verelan);
    • ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and fluconazole (Diflucan);
    • danazol (Danocrine) and methylprednisolone (Medrol, others);
    • erythromycin (Ery-Tab, E-Mycin, E.E.S., P.C.E., others), clarithromycin (Biaxin);
    • bromocriptine (Parlodel);
    • colchicine and allopurinol (Aloprim, Lopurin, Zyloprim);
    • indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), lopinavir-ritonavir(Kaletra) and saquinavir (Fortovase, Invirase);
    • metoclopramide (Reglan);
    • prednisolone (Prelone, Pediapred, others);
    • digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
    • lovastatin (Mevacor), fluvastatin (Lescol), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), or atorvastatin (Lipitor);
    • PUVA or UVB therapy; and
    • potassium-sparing diuretics (water pills) such as amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone, Spironol), or triamterene (Dyrenium); and
    • any type of vaccination.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about cyclosporine written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

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Version: 2.03. Revision Date: 2/14/03.

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