CYCLOPHIL ME 50 5S

About

Cyclosporine, specifically in its microemulsion formulation, is a potent calcineurin inhibitor and a cornerstone immunosuppressive agent used to prevent organ rejection in patients undergoing solid organ transplantation, including kidney, liver, and heart transplants. It is also indicated for the treatment of various severe autoimmune diseases, such as severe active rheumatoid arthritis, severe psoriasis, and nephrotic syndrome, when other therapies have failed. Cyclosporine works by forming a complex with cyclophilin, an intracellular protein. This complex then inhibits calcineurin, an enzyme crucial for the activation of T-lymphocytes. By blocking calcineurin, cyclosporine prevents the transcription of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-2, thereby suppressing T-cell proliferation and differentiation. The microemulsion formulation offers improved and more consistent absorption compared to older formulations, leading to more predictable pharmacokinetics.

Uses

• Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients.
• Treatment of severe active rheumatoid arthritis.
• Treatment of severe psoriasis.
• Treatment of nephrotic syndrome.

Directions For Use

Take this medication orally, usually twice daily, at the same time each day, with or without food, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not mix with grapefruit juice.

Benefits

• Highly effective in preventing organ rejection.
• Induces remission in severe autoimmune diseases.
• Improves long-term graft survival rates.
• Reduces the incidence of acute rejection episodes.
• A critical therapy for transplant recipients and autoimmune patients.
• Microemulsion formulation offers improved absorption and bioavailability.

Side Effects

• Nephrotoxicity (kidney damage)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Tremor
• Hirsutism (excessive hair growth)
• Gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth)
• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Increased risk of infections
• Increased risk of malignancies (e.g., lymphoma)
• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
• Hyperkalemia (high potassium)

Safety Measures

• Alcohol - Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of liver toxicity and can interact with cyclosporine metabolism, potentially altering drug levels.
• Pregnancy - Cyclosporine can cross the placenta and may cause harm to the fetus. It should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, under strict medical supervision.
• Breastfeeding - Cyclosporine is excreted into breast milk and may cause serious adverse effects in a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended. Consult your doctor.
• Liver - Use with caution in patients with liver impairment. Dose adjustments may be necessary, and liver function should be closely monitored due to the drug's extensive hepatic metabolism.
• Kidney - Cyclosporine is nephrotoxic. Use with extreme caution in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions, and monitor kidney function closely. Dose adjustments are often required.
• Lung - While not a primary lung drug, cyclosporine can rarely be associated with pulmonary edema or interstitial pneumonitis. Patients with pre-existing lung conditions should be monitored for respiratory symptoms.

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