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Brand Name
Sandimmune (human), Neoral (human), Atopica (veterinary)
Pronunciation
si-klo-spor-in
Common Drug Name
Cyclosporine
What should I discuss with my veterinarian while considering Cyclosporine?
Talk to your veterinarian about what type of outcome is expected. Have your veterinarian explain the other treatment options that may be available to treat your pet's condition.
Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney disease, or cancer.
Notify your veterinarian of any other medications or supplements your pet is taking. Also if your pet has had any reactions to previous medications.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
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 two doses at once.
What is the most important information I should know?
Follow your veterinarian's directions and give the full course of Cyclosporine as prescribed. Consult your veterinarian if the animal's condition does not improve or worsens after beginning treatment with Cyclosporine.
Who should not take it?
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 pets with malignant cancer.
Do not use in breeding or pregnant animals unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If the mother is receiving cyclosporine, place the offspring on milk replacer after they have received the colostrum (first milk immediately after birth).
What side effects may be seen when taking Cyclosporine?
May see loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. More rarely, may see overgrowth of the gums, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, shedding, or increased hair growth. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these 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.
How is it stored?
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.
What should I do if I know of or suspect there has been an overdose?
If you know or suspect your pet has had an overdose, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What should I avoid when giving my pet Cyclosporine?
Consult your veterinarian before using Cyclosporine-oral with vitamins and supplements, and many medications including but not limited to allopurinol, digoxin, etoposide, cimetidine, cisapride, amiodarone, androgens (testosterone), azole antifungals (ketoconazole, itraconazole), erythromycin, calcium channel blockers (diltiazem), corticosteroids, metoclopramide, trimethoprim/sulfa, rifampin, methotrexate, phenobarbital, phenytoin, terbinafine, St John's wort, probucol, omeprazole, aminoglycosides (e.g., gentmicin) or amphotericin, amphotericin B, NSAIDS (e.g., Rimadyl, Novox, Deramaxx, Etogesic, Zubrin) or modified live vaccines, since interactions may occur.
Where is more information available?
Ask your veterinarian, consult with one of our pharmacists at 1-800-447-3021, or see the
Patient Information Sheet on this medication. |
