Cyclosporine For Dermatology Patients
Cyclosporine is used to prevent rejection after organ transplants. In dermatology, the drug is used to treat severe psoriasis that has not improved with the usual treatment. It is also used for psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune skin conditions.
Cyclosporine comes in liquid or pill form. It is taken by mouth. Your doctor will decide how often you take this medicine. Your doctor will also order blood tests that include kidney and liver function tests. These tests are mainly a safeguard.
Who should NOT use cyclosporine?
People with these conditions should not take cyclosporine:
- High blood pressure that is not well controlled
- Abnormal kidney function
- History of cancer
- Multiple skin cancers
- Immune disorders such as HIV
- Active infections
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Men or women who are trying to become pregnant (Pregnancy should be avoided during and for at least 12 weeks after stopping cyclosporine)
Storage
When the capsules are stored in their original foil wrapping, they are good for up to 3 years. If you take them out of the foil wrapping, they will lose their strength after 7 days. The stability of the liquid form is indicated on the bottle.
Precautions
Cyclosporine makes you more at risk for infection. Tell your doctor or nurse about any fevers, sore throats, new aches and pains or any other sign of illness. Do not have any vaccinations while you are taking cyclosporine.
Side effects
Most patients do not have problems with the doses of cyclosporine that are given for psoriasis. Side effects may occur in some patients.
- Nausea (take cyclosporine with food or low-fat milk)
- Elevated blood pressure (your blood pressure will be checked at your regular clinic visits)
- Oily skin
- Hair growth
- Overgrowth of gums
- Tremors
- Skin tingling
Cyclosporine affects the kidneys. While you are taking this drug, you will have blood tests to check how your kidneys are working. Your doctor will give you the lowest possible dose to clear up your psoriasis.
Drug Interactions
Some drugs may interact with cyclosporine and cause problems for you. If you are taking any of these medicines now or if any of these are started while you are taking cyclosporine, please tell your doctor.
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Digitalis |
All non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as: |
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Erythromycin |
Aspirin |
Indocin |
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Diltiazem (cardizem) |
Disalcid |
Orudis |
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Phenytoin (Dilantin) |
Voltaren |
Meclomen |
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Danazol (Cyclomen) |
Dolobid |
Ralafen |
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Nicardipine (Cardene) |
Lodine |
Naprosyn |
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Verapamil |
Nalfon |
Anaprox |
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Ketoconazole |
Ansaid |
Butazolidin |
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Fluconazole |
Advil |
Feldene |
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Straconazole |
Medipren |
Clinoril |
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Bromocriptine |
Motrin |
Tolectin |
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Metoclopramide |
Rufen |
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Methylprednisolone |
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Rifampin |
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Phenobarbital |
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Carbamazepine |
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Potassium-sparing diuretics |
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Vaccinations |
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Laboratory Tests
If your blood tests are to be done at UW Hospital or UW Health Clinics, the blood work should be drawn 2-3 days before your next clinic visit.
If your blood tests will be done at your local clinic, please arrange for the blood work to be done one week before your clinic visit. The lab must FAX or mail written results to your Dermatology Clinic.
Blood Test Schedule
Baseline (before you begin taking cyclosporine) ________________________
4 weeks ___________________________
8 weeks ___________________________
12 weeks ____________________________
every 3 months _________________________________
Remember: You must have the blood tests done one week before your appointment.
Follow-up Doctor Schedule
Your doctor will need to follow your progress while you are taking cyclosporine.
4 weeks after starting cyclosporine ___________________________________
3 months after starting cyclosporine ___________________________________
Every 3 months afterwards __________________________________________
You and your doctor will decide if you need more clinic visits or blood tests or if they will be done more often.
Phone numbers
Please call us with any questions or concerns that you may have
UW Clinic East Dermatology
5249 East Terrace Drive
Madison WI 53718
(608) 265-1288
Fax: (608) 265-1249
UW Clinics West Dermatology
451 Junction Road
Madison WI 53717
(608) 265-7670
Fax: (608) 265-7759
If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942. Ask for the Dermatology Clinic.
After hours, nights, weekends, and holidays, the clinic number will give you the paging operator. Ask for the dermatology doctor on call. Give the operator your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/29/2008
Copyright © 08/29/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5797
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