Cyclosporine for psoriasis

Examples

Solution or capsule taken by mouth (oral), or solution taken as a shot (injection)

Generic Name	Brand Name
cyclosporine	Sandimmune

The dosage of cyclosporine depends on your body weight.

How It Works

Cyclosporine suppresses the immune system and may slow the rapid growth of skin cells.

Why It Is Used

Cyclosporine is very rarely used. It is used to treat severe plaque psoriasis that has not improved with the use of methotrexate.

Cyclosporine should not be used by pregnant women or women of childbearing age.

How Well It Works

Cyclosporine is effective in clearing psoriasis and may help prevent relapse (flare-ups).¹

Side Effects

Side effects of cyclosporine include:

• Suppression of the immune system.
• Kidney problems.
• High blood pressure.
• Nonmelanoma skin cancer, especially for people who also had psoralen and UVA (PUVA) therapy.

While you are taking cyclosporine, get your blood pressure and kidney function checked regularly.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking cyclosporine. Grapefruit juice can increase the level of this medicine in your blood. Having too much medicine in your blood increases your chances of having serious side effects.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

The safety of long-term treatment with cyclosporine is not known.

Cyclosporine is not usually used to treat severe psoriasis in people who have a weakened immune system, such as people with HIV or cancer.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: December 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.