Cyclosporine
Drug Name(s): Neoral, Gengraf, generic
Class: DMARDs
Used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients for whom other conventional DMARDs have been ineffective.
Dosage
Form(s): capsule, syrup, injection
2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per day in two divided doses, 12 hours apart. If necessary, the daily dose may then be increased gradually as tolerability permits to no higher than 5 mg/kg/day.
Special Instructions
Take at the same time every day.
You should not consume grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this drug; doing so affects the levels of the drug in your body.
You should not take St. John’s wort while taking this drug.
Potential Side Effects
Abdominal pain; high blood pressure; increase in hair growth; inflammation of the gums; kidney problems; loss of appetite; nausea; numbness; tingling
Be Aware
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant. It may make you more likely to get infections and certain cancers. Your doctor should order periodic blood and urine tests to check for unwanted effects. Before taking any DMARD, tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant.
This drug may cause impaired consciousness, convulsions, visual disturbances, loss of motor function and psychiatric disturbances. Use caution when driving or operating machines.
