Cyclosporine Treatment
- According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified) are both available in capsule and oral solution forms. The oral solution must be mixed with liquid before it is taken. To mix the solution, fill a glass with liquid. Approved liquids for cyclosporine are apple juice or orange juice. Avoid using milk with cyclosporine, although cyclosporine (modified) may be mixed with chocolate milk, milk or orange juice. Always mix your medication with the same drink once you made your choice. Remove the cover from the dosing syringe that comes with the drug. Insert the syringe tip into the bottle of medication and pull back on the plunger to get the proper dose as prescribed by your physician. Hold the syringe over your glass and press on the plunger to dispense medication into the glass. Stir the mixture and drink the entire glass of liquid immediately. To get the medication that remains at the bottom of the glass, add a little more liquid to the glass, swirling the liquid and drink the remainder. Dry the outside of the syringe and put the cap back on the syringe.
- Cyclosporine and cyclosporine (modified) can both cause side effects. According to the NIH, these side effects include diarrhea; headache; heartburn; acne; flushing; gas; burning or tingling in the hands, arms, feet, or legs; cramps; ear problems; depression and difficulty sleeping. If you experience any of these side effects, call your doctor if they become severe or do not go away. Some side effects are more serious than others. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience pale skin, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), seizures, unusual bleeding or bruising, changes in behavior, changes in vision, loss of consciousness, confusion, rash or swelling of the hands, arms, feet, or lower legs.
- The NIH lists several precautions that you need to take when taking cyclosporine or cyclosporine (modified). Do not use grapefruit juice to mix the oral solution of this drug. Grapefruit juice can reduce the drug's effectiveness. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to cyclosporine or if you are allergic to other medications. Let your doctor know which medications and vitamins you are taking to avoid drug interactions. Because both forms of cyclosporine can cause a baby to be born too early, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking the drug. Tell your doctor if you have or have had low cholesterol, liver disease, low levels of magnesium in the blood or any condition that impairs the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
