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Cyclosporine is a medication that requires careful use due to significant potential risks and necessary precautions. Below are important safety details and warnings for individuals considering or currently taking this medication:

• Infection Risk: Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of serious or even life-threatening infections. This includes opportunistic infections that typically occur when the immune system is compromised. Be vigilant for signs of infection such as persistent sore throat, fever, chills, cough, or burning during urination, and report them to your healthcare provider immediately.

• Cancer Risk: Using cyclosporine may elevate the risk of developing certain cancers, including lymphomas and skin cancer. This risk is heightened for those with a history of cancer, who have undergone specific treatments like phototherapy, or who are exposed to significant sunlight or UV light. Discuss these risks with your healthcare provider.

• Blood Pressure and Kidney Health: High blood pressure and kidney damage are common side effects. These risks increase with higher doses and prolonged use of cyclosporine. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function is crucial. Inform your doctor if you have a history of high blood pressure or kidney issues.

• Liver and Brain Health: Cyclosporine can cause liver damage, potentially leading to liver failure, especially at high doses or with long-term use. Similarly, there is a risk of reversible brain damage, particularly when combined with high doses of steroids. Monitoring liver function and being aware of neurological symptoms is advised.

• Blood Cell Counts: Some patients experience low platelet and red blood cell counts, which can be serious in transplant patients. This risk should be discussed with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a history of anemia.

• Electrolyte Imbalance: Cyclosporine may lead to high potassium levels, which can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, and heart issues. Patients with a history of high potassium should be cautious and report symptoms to their healthcare provider.

• Alcohol Content: Cyclosporine contains alcohol, which poses additional risks for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with liver issues, epilepsy, or a history of alcohol misuse. It is important to discuss these factors with your prescriber.

• Medication Interactions: Different brands and formulations of cyclosporine are not interchangeable without medical guidance due to variations in absorption rates. Switching between products without consulting your healthcare provider could lead to adverse effects.

Special Considerations:

• Cyclosporine should not be used by individuals with a known allergy to it, or those with certain conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, specific cancers, or in conjunction with particular treatments for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• It is essential that cyclosporine be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional experienced in managing your specific condition to ensure safe and effective treatment.

In case of suspected overdose, immediate medical attention is necessary. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms or concerns promptly.

When taking this medication, you may experience some common side effects that are usually mild and manageable. These include shaking, headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upset, and flushing. Some individuals might also notice an unusual increase in body hair, particularly on the face, back, and chest, as well as overgrowth and swelling of the gums. To mitigate gum issues, regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are advised. Monitoring your blood pressure is important, as this medication can cause it to rise. If these effects persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider.

On a more serious note, this medication can lead to significant side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include signs of kidney problems, such as changes in urine output or higher creatinine levels, symptoms of liver disease like persistent nausea, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, as well as easy bruising, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat, and numbness or tingling in the limbs. Additionally, be alert to severe leg pain, mental changes, vision alterations, speech difficulties, clumsiness, loss of coordination, seizures, or chest pain.

While rare, severe allergic reactions can occur, characterized by rash, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, and breathing difficulties. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Always stay attentive to any new or unusual symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure your safety and well-being while using this medication.

When using Cyclosporine modified (Gengraf), be aware of potential interactions with other medications or supplements. Inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs and supplements you are taking, including over-the-counter, herbal, and dietary products.

Certain medications may interact adversely with Cyclosporine. For instance, drugs like bosentan, colchicine, dronedarone, elagolix, eliglustat, grazoprevir, lercanidipine, mifepristone, pitavastatin, simvastatin, and sitaxsentan are not recommended to be used together with Cyclosporine. Your doctor might either avoid prescribing these medications or adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

There are also medications that, although usually not recommended with Cyclosporine, may be needed in some cases. If this is the case, your doctor might change the dosage or how frequently you take one or both of the medicines. These include drugs like abametapir, acalabrutinib, aliskiren, and several others.

Additionally, some medications might increase the risk of side effects when taken with Cyclosporine. However, they might still be prescribed together if necessary, with dosage adjustments. These drugs include acetazolamide, allopurinol, amiodarone, amphotericin B, azathioprine, and more.

It is also important to note that Cyclosporine can affect how other drugs are metabolized in your body. This can influence the effectiveness of medications such as aliskiren, dabigatran, and certain statins (like pitavastatin and simvastatin), among others. Always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use of your medications.