Capsule, Reconstitution Suspension

Novartis

Neoral (cyclosporine) is used with other medications (eg, azathioprine, steroids) to prevent kidney, liver, and heart transplant rejection. It is also used to treat psoriasis in adult patients with healthy immune systems and to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients who do not respond to other treatment.

Do not take Neoral (cyclosporine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Neoral (cyclosporine) or to similar medications you are taking Neoral (cyclosporine) for rheumatoid arthritis and have kidney function problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or other tumors you are taking Neoral (cyclosporine) for psoriasis and are also receiving methotrexate or other medicines that weaken the immune system, PUVA or ultraviolet B therapy, coal tar, or radiation therapy or you have abnormal kidney function, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or other tumors

Before using Neoral (cyclosporine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine (eg, ibuprofen), herbal preparation (eg, St. John's wort), or dietary supplement if you have any other medical condition. Do not have any immunizations without your doctor's approval as Neoral (cyclosporine) lowers your body's resistance and there is a chance you might get the infection the immunization is meant to prevent. Avoid coming in contact with people who have recently taken polio vaccine.

Because of the increased risk of infection and certain types of skin cancer, Neoral (cyclosporine) should only be prescribed by doctors who are experienced in the use of Neoral (cyclosporine). Proper life support equipment and personnel should be readily available in case of emergency. Do not change to a different form of Neoral (cyclosporine) (eg, Sandimmune ) without first checking with your doctor. The amount of Neoral (cyclosporine) in the blood will be monitored in transplant and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Psoriasis patients previously treated with PUVA (a combination of psoralen and ultraviolet radiation) and some other medicines are at greater risk for developing skin tumors. High blood pressure, kidney dysfunction, and kidney damage occur from using Neoral (cyclosporine). Therefore, kidney function must be monitored.

Other:  Eye inflammation; swelling; fever; brittle fingernails; upset stomach; hearing loss; hiccups; muscle pain; ringing in the ears; loss of appetite; confusion.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depend on many factors, including the condition being treated, your age, and weight. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Neoral (cyclosporine) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read and follow the dosing instructions given to you by your health care provider. Take Neoral (cyclosporine) with food at the same time each day. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Neoral (cyclosporine). Neoral (cyclosporine) should be taken with other medications to be most effective. Do not take potassium supplements while taking Neoral (cyclosporine). Do not switch to another form of Neoral (cyclosporine) (eg, Sandimmune ) without contacting your doctor. Neoral (cyclosporine) may increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing while you are taking Neoral (cyclosporine). Patients who are being treated for psoriasis will need to have at least 2 careful skin and physical examinations, including blood pressure measurements before starting Neoral (cyclosporine). Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines (eg, measles, mumps, oral polio) while you are taking Neoral (cyclosporine). The vaccinations may be less effective. Neoral (cyclosporine) may increase your risk of high blood pressure and abnormal kidney function. Diabetes patients -- Neoral (cyclosporine) may affect your blood sugar level. Your doctor may need to change the amount of diabetes medicine you are taking. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Do not stop taking Neoral (cyclosporine) without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Neoral (cyclosporine). Do not take more medicine than prescribed unless advised to do so by your health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your health care provider. If more than one dose is missed, contact your health care provider or pharmacist.

Store Neoral (cyclosporine) at controlled room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F). Keep in original package.