Cyclosporine treats a number of different conditions. It can protect an organ that came from an organ transplant. And for less severe issues, it can treat rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis. 

A beneficial medication with lots of severe risks, such as cancer development, cyclosporine should be taken exactly as your doctor and prescription label advise.

Typically, you’ll be able to take this medication with or without food. But don’t switch up how you take it each time. Either always take it with food or always without.  And always take it at the same time.

Please note that if you are also on sirolimus, you should take it four hours after taking cyclosporine. 

If you believe that you have missed a dose, take that dose as soon as you’ve thought about it. If it’s too close to the time of your next dose, skip it instead and stick to your next dose’s timing.

Do not take two doses or extra doses. Doing so may mean a trip to the poison control center or nearest emergency room. 

Take cyclosporine with the utmost care. This medication can have a number of risks.

While on cyclosporine, you may have a higher risk of getting an infection, so practise good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, and stay away from anyone you know who has an infection, cold, or flu.

There’s also a higher risk for you to develop lymphoma and other cancers, so call your doctor right away if your mole has changed size or color, your armpit, groin, or neck’s developed a lump, or any other skin lump or growth has developed.

You may also need to watch out for kidney problems, which cyclosporine can cause.

You may find that while on cyclosporine, you’ll have to deal with some common side effects. These include headaches, diarrhea, hair growth, acne, dizziness, an upset stomach, flushing, or belly pain.

You may also end up dealing with a much harsher reaction to the medication, which you should alert your doctor to. This reaction could be an allergic one where you end up with a rash; hives; itching; swelling; difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking; and facial swelling. 

You could also end up with high blood pressure. Signs for this issue include very bad headaches, dizziness, passing out, and changes in eyesight. 

Other issues could include kidney problems, where you might have blood in your urine, or electrolyte problems, such as having seizures.