Sandimmun
Sandimmun is a medicine containing ciclosporin, used after organ or bone marrow transplants to prevent your body from rejecting the new organ by lowering your immune response.
Form
infuusiokonsentraatti, liuosta varten
Strength
50 mg/ml
Active Ingredient
Ciclosporin
Manufacturer
Novartis Finland Oy
How to Use
Dosage
The usual total daily dose is 3-5 mg per kilogram of body weight, divided into two doses. Doses may be higher just before and after a transplant, then lowered once your transplanted organ or bone marrow is stable.
Method
This medicine is diluted with saline or 5% glucose solution and then given slowly into a vein as an infusion over 2-6 hours.
Important
Your doctor will determine your maximum daily dose, which is usually between 3-5 mg per kilogram of body weight, divided into two doses.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Kidney problems
- •High blood pressure
- •Headache
- •Uncontrolled body shaking or tremor
- •Excessive hair growth on body and face
- •High levels of fats in the blood
- •Seizures (convulsions)
- •Liver problems
- •High blood sugar
- •Tiredness
- •Loss of appetite
- •Nausea, vomiting, stomach problems or pain, diarrhea
- •Acne, hot flashes
- •Fever
- •Low white blood cell count
- •Numbness or tingling sensation
- •Muscle pain, muscle cramps
- •Stomach ulcer
- •Gum overgrowth around teeth
- •High uric acid or potassium levels in blood, low magnesium levels in blood
RARE
- •Symptoms of brain disorders, such as sudden seizures, confusion, memory loss, difficulty speaking, muscle weakness, or problems with coordination
- •Rash
- •Generalized swelling
- •Weight gain
- •Low red blood cell count or low platelet count, which can increase the risk of bleeding
- •Nerve problems, including numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes
- •Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) with severe upper abdominal pain
- •Muscle weakness, loss of muscle strength, or pain in leg or arm muscles or elsewhere in the body
- •Destruction of red blood cells, linked to kidney problems, with symptoms like swelling of the face, stomach, hands, or feet, reduced urination, breathing difficulties, chest pain, seizures, or unconsciousness
- •Changes in menstrual cycle, or breast enlargement in men
- •Swelling behind the eye, which may cause increased pressure in the head and vision problems
- •Severe liver problems, possibly with yellowing of the eyes or skin, nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, or swelling of the face, legs, arms, or entire body
- •Bleeding under the skin or purple-red spots on the skin, or sudden bleeding without a clear reason
- •Migraine or severe headache, often with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light
- •Pain in the shins and legs
- •Hearing loss
Important Warnings
- Do not take Sandimmun if you are allergic to ciclosporin or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not take Sandimmun with St. John's Wort, or with medicines containing dabigatran etexilate, bosentan, or aliskiren.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection, such as fever or a sore throat.
- Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, or unusual levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood.
- This medicine can increase your risk of skin cancer; limit your exposure to sunlight and use high-SPF sunscreen.
Show 5 more warnings
- Do not take Sandimmun with grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can affect how the medicine works.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, as this medicine is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- This medicine may cause drowsiness, confusion, or blurred vision, so do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these effects.
- Sandimmun contains castor oil, which can cause severe allergic reactions.
- This medicine contains alcohol; discuss with your doctor if you have alcohol-related problems, epilepsy, liver problems, or if the medicine is for a child.