Cyclosporine (Sandimmune) Nursing Considerations

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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