Sandimmun

What is it?

A fungal metabolite and immunosuppressant available in ampoules containing 50mg of cyclosporin per ml for injection.

Medical Uses

Suppression of immune system in patients undergoing bone marrow or organ transplants, prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease.

Dosage

Manufacrturer's literature should be consulted.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, high blood potassium levels, low blood magnesium levels, high levels of uric acid in blood. Blood potassium and lipid levels, liver and kidney function and blood pressure should be monitored.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Barbiturates, danazol, diclofenae, macrolide antibiotics, rifampicin, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, azole antifungals, allopurinol, live vaccines, tacrolimus, erythromycin, orlistat, phenytoin, carbamazepine, octreotide, metoclopramide, ACE inhibitors, St John's Wort, digoxin, oral contraceptives, angiotensin 11 antagonists, amiodarone, clarithromycin, calcium antagonists, drugs toxic to kidneys. Potassium supplements and potassium-sparing diuretics, nifedipine, prednisolone, methyl prednisolone, NSAIDs, grapefruit juice.

Known Side Effects

Headache, tiredness, muscle cramps and pains, numbness/tingling/'pins and needles' sensation, tremor, gastrointestinal upset, weight gain, anorexia, fluid retention high blood lipid and potassium levels, low blood magnesium levels, high levels of uric acid in urine, liver and kidney disorders. Also, damage to nerves, anaemia, thrombocytopenia (decline in blood platelets causing bleeding), signs of encephalopathy (damage to brain), gum disorders, abdominal pain. In rare cases, effects on menstruation, enlargement of breasts, form of haemolytic anaemia or haemolytic anaemic syndrome, high blood glucose levels, disturbance to motor nerves, muscle damage and weakness, disorders of lymph system, malignant conditions, fluid retention affecting optic disc. Withdraw if uncontrolled high blood pressure arises.