Cyclosporine
(also known as Neoral®, Sandimune®, Cylosporine A, Gengraf®)

Dosage
About 6 mg per kilogram of body weight a day, initially, then changing dosage according to your blood levels. For best absorption by the stomach, take cyclosporine before meals. Capsules come in 100 mg and 25 mg.

Action
An immunosuppressive drug which is believed to work by blocking the action of the immune cells in your blood known as the T-lymphocytes. These immune cells normally take part in the rejection process.

Side effects

• rash
• increased hair growth (hirsutism)
• impaired kidney function
• high blood pressure
• soft tissue tumors
• burning pain in feet and hands
• hand tremors
• gum overgrowth
• impaired glucose response

Because cyclosporine is supplied in an olive oil base, you may have temporary episodes of diarrhea, but this is usually mild.

Cautions
Most patients need some medications for high blood pressure caused by cyclosporine. This will be adjusted by the doctors on an individual basis.

Increase hair growth is a temporary side effect of cyclosporine. Although bald patients appreciate the new hair growth, women are not so appreciative. Talk to your doctor regarding excessive hair growth and other side effects.