Ciclosporin (Cyclosporine)

You may experience the following side effects while on Ciclosporin. Tell your doctor if you encounter any of them so that adjustments to your therapy may be made to reduce the occurrence of these side effects where possible. These include:

• Muscle cramps/pain and headaches
• Stomach discomfort, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea
• Enlarged, swollen and/or bleeding gums
• Increased hair growth
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased triglycerides (Please maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet)

Please inform your doctor if you experience any other side effects or if the side effects become severe and bothersome.

There are some potentially serious but rare side effects that may be experienced when you are using Ciclosporin. These include:

• Increased susceptibility to infections, where signs include fever, sore throats, cough or mouth ulcers
• Newly appeared moles and discolouration of skin (Avoid prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen)
• Kidney problems, manifested as swelling of hands and feet or inability to pass urine
• Visual or hearing changes
• Severe headache and tremors

Stop using Ciclosporin and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the potentially serious side effects.

Do not give your child or yourself any other medications or herbal products without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Some medication or food may reduce its efficacy, or increase the incidence of side effects where close monitoring is required. These include:

1. Grapefruit or pomelo
2. Antacids containing magnesium or aluminium hydroxide (Either take Ciclosporin either 1 hour before or 2 hours after taking antacids)
3. Bile acid sequestrants such as Cholestyramine
4. Live vaccines such as BCG, MMR, chickenpox vaccine and some forms of polio or influenza vaccines
5. Certain antibiotics or antifungals