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Cyclosporine is a medication used to suppress the immune system, but it comes with several important safety considerations. Below is a summary of critical warnings and precautions to keep in mind when using this medication:

• Infection and Cancer Risk: Cyclosporine can reduce your immune system's ability to combat infections, increasing the likelihood of serious infections or worsening existing ones. It may also elevate the risk of certain cancers, such as skin cancer and lymphoma. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms like persistent sore throat, fever, chills, cough, painful urination, unusual skin changes, unexplained weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, new lumps, or night sweats.

• Kidney and Liver Concerns: This medication can cause kidney damage, especially at high doses or when combined with other kidney-affecting drugs. Liver issues may occur, particularly in those with pre-existing liver conditions or those taking liver-damaging medications. Regular laboratory tests are essential to monitor kidney and liver function.

• Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a common side effect. Blood pressure should be regularly checked, and adjustments to your treatment may be necessary if hypertension develops.

• Medication Absorption and Switching Brands: The absorption of cyclosporine can be unpredictable and varies between different formulations (e.g., Sandimmune vs. Gengraf/Neoral). Do not switch brands without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to improper medication levels, increasing the risk of side effects or transplant rejection.

• Cancer Risk: Long-term use of cyclosporine or higher doses may raise the risk of certain cancers. Protect yourself from excessive sunlight exposure by wearing protective clothing and using sunblock.

• Serious Infections: The drug can increase susceptibility to severe infections, including reactivation of dormant viruses like tuberculosis or hepatitis B. Avoid contact with sick individuals and maintain good hygiene practices. Report symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, appetite changes, weight loss, vomiting, or skin rash to your healthcare provider promptly.

• Neurological Side Effects: Some may experience effects on brain function, nerves, and movement. Inform your provider if you notice seizures, loss of consciousness, vision problems, or changes in behavior or thoughts.

• Vaccination Precautions: Cyclosporine affects how your immune system responds to vaccines. Avoid live vaccines and contact with individuals who have recently received them. Always inform your healthcare provider that you are on cyclosporine before receiving any vaccination.

• Contraindications: Cyclosporine should not be used in individuals with a known allergy to polyoxyethylated castor oil, a component of the drug. Consult your healthcare provider if this applies to you.

In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Regular communication with your healthcare provider is essential to safely manage your treatment with cyclosporine.

When taking this medication, some individuals might experience common side effects, which are generally mild but should be discussed with a healthcare provider if they persist. These include shaking, a rise in blood pressure, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset. Some patients, particularly females, may notice an unusual growth of body hair on the face, chest, or back, as well as overgrowth and swelling of the gums. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help manage gum-related issues.

It's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly, as this medication may elevate it. If you notice a sustained increase, consult your healthcare provider for appropriate management. Some individuals may also experience kidney-related symptoms such as changes in urine output, or signs of liver issues like persistent nausea, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Additionally, unusual tiredness, muscle weakness, slow or irregular heartbeat, and numbness or tingling of the skin should be reported to a healthcare provider.

Rare but serious side effects require immediate attention. These include severe allergic reactions characterized by rash, itching, or swelling, particularly of the face, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing. Other critical symptoms include mental changes, vision problems, speech difficulties, loss of coordination, chest pain, seizures, and weakness on one side of the body. Serious infections or sudden kidney injury marked by fever, chills, or reduced urine output, as well as liver damage indicated by clay-colored stools or yellowed skin, are also critical. Always seek urgent medical care if you encounter these severe effects.

Certain medications and products can interact with this drug, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Such interactions include:

1. Immune System Impact: Medications like coal tar, orlistat, and other drugs that can suppress the immune system or elevate infection risk, such as natalizumab, rituximab, and tofacitinib, may interact with this drug.

2. Potassium Level Increase: Some substances, including potassium supplements and certain diuretics like amiloride and spironolactone, may raise potassium levels when used with this drug.

3. Tacrolimus Interaction: There is also a potential interaction with tacrolimus.

4. Cyclosporine Removal: Several medications can influence the clearance of cyclosporine from the body, which might alter its effectiveness. These include bosentan, mifepristone, St. John's wort, and ritonavir.

5. Slow Removal of Other Drugs: This medication may impede the elimination of certain drugs from your body, affecting their function. Notable examples are aliskiren, dabigatran, dronedarone, elagolix, resmetirom, and some statins like pitavastatin and simvastatin, as well as voxilaprevir.

It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure safe use of this medication alongside others.