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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
