Cyclosporine works to suppress the immune system. It stops white blood cells, called T cells, from being active and causing inflammation.
It is a pill that you will take by mouth. It often leads to fast improvement in your skin rash, ranging from two weeks to three to four months. It can be taken while you and your doctor talk about other long-term treatments. This is often not used for more than one year.
Side effects of cyclosporine
Higher risk of infections
High blood pressure
Lower kidney function
Changes in electrolyte levels
High cholesterol
Skin may be more sensitive to the sun
We will check for these changes with blood tests and by checking your blood pressure.
Other side effects of cyclosporine
More hair growth
Nausea (feeling you need to vomit)
Diarrhea
Headache
Growth of your gums
Long-term kidney or liver damage
Rare side effects are a higher risk of skin cancers and lymphoma.
Call your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms.
How to take cyclosporine
Take this medicine at the same time each day. If you take it with food, take it with food each day.
Do not eat or drink grapefruit, grapefruit juice, or St. John’s wort. These may make it less effective.