Cyclosporin: An Important Medication to Know

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Generic Name

Cyclosporine

Trade Name

Sandimmune

Indication

Prevention of rejection in transplantation, treatment of severe RA, management of ulcerative colitis

Action

Inhibits normal immune response primarily by decreasing the activity of T cells

Therapeutic Class

Immunosuppressant, antirheumatics (DMARD)

Pharmacologic Class

Polypeptides (cyclic)

Nursing Considerations

• May cause seizures, tremors, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, diarrhea, N/V, gingival hyperplasia • Increases immune suppression with corticosteroids • Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medications • Assess for signs of organ rejection • Monitor renal panel, liver enzymes • Take medication as directed • Lifelong therapy required for transplant patients • Instruct pt on how to take blood pressure