Cyclosporine Capsules suppresses the immune system, which may increase your risk of developing an infection or cancer. In kidney, liver, or heart transplant patients, Cyclosporine Capsules may be used along with other medicines that suppress the immune system. Using these medicines together may further increase your risk of developing an infection or a certain type of cancer (lymphoma).

Cyclosporine Capsules cannot be switched with other forms of cyclosporine (eg, Sandimmune) without your doctor's approval. If you are taking Cyclosporine Capsules for a transplant or for rheumatoid arthritis, lab tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects, such as toxicity.

If you are using Cyclosporine Capsules for psoriasis and you are also using certain other forms of treatment (eg, psoralen ultraviolet A [PUVA] or ultraviolet B [UVB] therapy, medicines that suppress the immune system, coal tar, radiation therapy), you may be at an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Cyclosporine Capsules may cause high blood pressure or kidney problems. This risk may be increased with high doses or prolonged use of Cyclosporine Capsules. Kidney function tests may be performed while you are taking Cyclosporine Capsules to check for side effects.

Cyclosporine Capsules are used for:

Preventing the rejection of organ transplants (kidney, liver, and heart). Cyclosporine Capsules are also used to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis in certain patients. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Cyclosporine Capsules are an immunosuppressant. Exactly how Cyclosporine Capsules works is not known, but it may block certain white blood cells (lymphocytes).

Do NOT use Cyclosporine Capsules if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cyclosporine Capsules
• you are taking bosentan, disulfiram, fluorouracil, metronidazole, orlistat, or a potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, spironolactone)
• you have psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis and also have kidney problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or cancer
• you are using other therapies for psoriasis (eg, PUVA or UVB therapy, methotrexate or other medicines that suppress the immune system, coal tar, radiation therapy)
• you are going to be vaccinated with a live vaccine

Before using Cyclosporine Capsules:

Some medical conditions may interact with Cyclosporine Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver, kidney, brain, or nerve problems; high blood potassium or uric acid levels; low blood magnesium or cholesterol levels; high blood pressure; cancer; an infection; or problems absorbing food or medicine; or have had a recent vaccination
• if your diet contains a lot of potassium
• if you have a history of seizures
• if you are having phototherapy for psoriasis, or are having radiation treatment

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cyclosporine Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Many prescription and nonprescription medicines (eg, used for infections, inflammation, allergic reactions, asthma, aches and pains, high blood pressure, cancer, gout, diabetes, heartburn, high cholesterol, irregular heartbeat or other heart problems, birth control, Parkinson disease, stomach and intestinal problems, endometriosis, HIV, seizures, blood clotting, weight loss, arthritis, psoriasis, depression, sleep, other conditions), multivitamin products, and herbal or dietary supplements (eg, St. John's wort) may interact with Cyclosporine Capsules. They may increase the risk of side effects or decrease the effectiveness of this or other medicines
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone) because the risk of high blood potassium levels may be increased
• Bosentan because the risk of its side effects and toxic effects may be increased by Cyclosporine Capsules
• Disulfiram, fluorouracil, or metronidazole because flushing, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea, or vomiting may occur
• Orlistat because it may decrease Cyclosporine Capsules's effectiveness

How to use Cyclosporine Capsules:

Use Cyclosporine Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Cyclosporine Capsules on a regular schedule with regard to food and time of day.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Cyclosporine Capsules.
• If you also take sirolimus, do not take it within 4 hours after taking Cyclosporine Capsules. Check with your doctor if you have questions.
• If you miss a dose of Cyclosporine Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Important safety information:

• Cyclosporine Capsules may cause dizziness. This effect may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cyclosporine Capsules with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not switch to another doseform or change brands of Cyclosporine Capsules without talking to your doctor. Products made by other companies may not work as well for you.
• Cyclosporine Capsules may increase your risk of skin cancer. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Cyclosporine Capsules. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time. It may also increase your risk of developing other forms of cancer (eg, lymphoma). Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Cyclosporine Capsules may lower the ability of your body to fight infection and may increase the risk of severe infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor right away if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Some people treated with Cyclosporine Capsules have developed severe kidney problems associated with the BK virus infection. Tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of kidney problems (eg, change in the amount of urine produced, difficult or painful urination, blood in the urine). In kidney transplant patients, BK virus infection may cause loss of the transplanted kidney. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
• Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Cyclosporine Capsules. Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
• Cyclosporine Capsules may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. Avoid activities that may cause bruising or injury. Tell your doctor if you have unusual bruising or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have dark, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Cyclosporine Capsules before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Patients who are being treated for psoriasis will need to have careful skin and physical examinations, including blood pressure measurements, before starting this medication.
• Diabetes patients - Cyclosporine Capsules may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including kidney and liver function; cyclosporine levels; and blood pressure, lipids, and electrolytes, may be performed while you use Cyclosporine Capsules. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Cyclosporine Capsules with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Cyclosporine Capsules may cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cyclosporine Capsules while you are pregnant. Cyclosporine Capsules are found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cyclosporine Capsules.

Possible side effects of Cyclosporine Capsules:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Acne; burning sensation; coughing; dizziness; flushing; headache; increased hair growth; nausea; runny nose; sleeplessness; stomach discomfort; vomiting.

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood in the urine; change in the appearance of a mole; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; diarrhea; fast or irregular heartbeat; gum disease or overgrowth; increased or decreased urination; loss of coordination; mental or mood changes; muscle cramps; numbness or tingling of the skin; seizures; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; symptoms of infection (eg, chills, cough, fever, painful urination, sore throat); tremors; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual lumps; unusual thickening or growth on the skin; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes.