Cyclosporine Side Effects

Cyclosporine is a drug that is an immunosuppressant and given to patients with psoriasis and other similar conditions. This is a very powerful drug and is considered as a short term treatment for psoriasis. There are many side effects associated with long term use of cyclosporine and therefore, not recommended by the FDA for use more than one year. Let us look at some of the cyclosporine side effects.

Uses of Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is advised to patients who have undergone kidney, liver and heart transplants. Cyclosporine acts on the white blood cells by affecting the calcium ion uptake, thus making them useless. This reduces the chances of organ rejection in case of transplants.

How Should Cyclosporine be Taken
Cyclosporine should be taken in the form of a capsule or oral liquid at the same time every day. This medication maybe advised to be taken either with a meal or between meals.

Cyclosporine Dosage
The cyclosporine dosage is decided by the doctor depending on the medical condition and history of the patient. The dosage is monitored according to the weight, body response and in tandem with other drugs taken, if any. The dosage for children is similar to adult dosages and sometimes a higher dose may be given. Never take the medicine without doctors advice.

Who Should Avoid Taking Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is given to patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis. However, if one suffers from kidney diseases, high blood pressure, cancer, etc. they should refrain from taking cyclosporine.

Side Effects of Cyclosporine

• Acne
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Increased hair growth
• Nausea
• Runny nose
• Sleep disorders
• Stomach discomfort
• Vomiting

Cyclosporine Adverse Effects

• Severe allergies like skin rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Black, tarry stools
• Blood in the urine
• Change in the appearance of a mole
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Dark urine
• Diarrhea
• Irregular heartbeat
• Flushing of the face, chest, back, or abdomen
• Gum disease
• Increased or decreased urination
• Loss of coordination
• Mental or mood changes
• Muscle cramps
• Numbness or tingling of the skin
• seizures
• Severe or persistent headache or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Symptoms of infection like chills, cough, fever, painful urination, sore throat
• Tremors
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising
• Abnormal lumps
• Abnormal thickening or growth on the skin
• Abnormal tiredness or weakness
• Vision changes
• Wheezing
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side Effects of Cyclosporine in Children
Cyclosporine is a very strong drug and long term use can cause many cyclosporine side effects in children. It can lead to:

• Abdominal discomfort
• Acne
• Breathing difficulty
• Convulsions
• Coughing
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Flu-like symptoms
• Flushing
• Headache
• Liver damage
• Lymph system tumor
• Muscle pain
• Bone, or joint pain
• Nasal inflammation
• Nausea
• Numbness or tingling sensation
• Inflammation of sinus
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system, making you vulnerable to other infections and malignancies like skin cancer and lymph system cancer. High dose may lead to kidney damage and may be toxic to the liver. In older people, it raises the blood pressure. Many times, brain disorders like convulsions, vision problems, psychiatric disturbances are seen as side effects of the drug. These side effects clear up as soon as the drug is discontinued.

These are some of the cyclosporine side effects that one may suffer when using this drug for a more than a year. It is not necessary that one may suffer from all the above mentioned cyclosporine adverse effects. Many times one may show minor or maybe no side effects to the drug. You should however, be careful when using the drug and speak to your doctor immediately regarding any side effect observed. Remember, never take the drug without doctor's advise and never change the dosage without the doctor's consultation.