SANDIMMUNE

Drug Name: SANDIMMUNE

SANDIMMUNE DESCRIPTION:
CYCLOSPORINE - ORAL CAPSULE (sye-klo-SPORE-een)

COMMON SANDIMMUNE BRAND NAME(S):
Sandimmune

SANDIMMUNE SIDE EFFECTS:
SANDIMMUNE may cause stomach upset, nausea, cramps, diarrhea or headache. Other possible side effects include high blood pressure, increased hair growth on the face and body, acne, tremor, swollen or inflamed gums, tingling of the hands or feet. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: mental confusion, blurred vision, fever, sore throat, stomach pain, hearing difficulty, chest pain, urine color change, fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising, a change in the amount of urine. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE SANDIMMUNE:
SANDIMMUNE: SANDIMMUNE is taken orally. The capsules are to be swallowed whole. Take SANDIMMUNE at the same time each day and consistently with or without food. Follow the dosing schedule for SANDIMMUNE carefully. If you were previously taking another brand of SANDIMMUNE, your dosing may be changed. Ask your doctor any questions you have about your treatment.

SANDIMMUNE WARNING:
Cyclosporine reduces the body's ability to fight illness/disease (immunosuppressant), leaving patients vulnerable to infection or other problems (including cancer). Using additional drugs that treat organ transplant rejection may increase these tendencies. Certain brands of cyclosporine must not be used with other immunosuppressants. Cyclosporine can also cause high blood pressure and kidney problems. The risk of both problems increase with increasing dose and length of therapy. Psoriasis patients who have had certain previous treatments (e.g., PUVA, UVB, coal tar, radiation therapy, methotrexate) are at increased risk to develop cancerous skin growths (malignancies). Therefore, cyclosporine must be given only under close medical supervision. Because different brands deliver different amounts of medication, do not switch brands of cyclosporine without your doctor's permission. Laboratory tests (e.g., kidney function tests, blood tests) may be performed to monitor your progress.

SANDIMMUNE USES:
Cyclosporine is used to prevent or treat organ rejection in transplant patients.

OTHER USES OF SANDIMMUNE:
SANDIMMUNE may also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a specific skin disorder (psoriasis), and has other uses as determined by your doctor.

SANDIMMUNE PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of liver or kidney disease, chickenpox, herpes zoster, any infection, blood disorders, diabetes and of any allergies you may have. Cyclosporine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. SANDIMMUNE is excreted into breast milk and should not be used while breast-feeding. Consult your doctor.

SANDIMMUNE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, including gentamicin, tobramycin, vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, cimetidine, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, ranitidine, diclofenac, tacrolimus, diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil, nifedipine, fluconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, erythromycin, methylprednisolone, allopurinol, bromocriptine, danazol, metoclopramide, nafcillin, rifampin, rifabutin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, octreotide, ticlopidine, prednisolone, digoxin, triamterene, spironolactone, amiloride, birth control pills, "statin" drugs for high cholesterol, St John's wort, carvedilol, and nefazodone. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

SANDIMMUNE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

SANDIMMUNE NOTES:
It is important to keep regular doctor visits so your progress can be monitored. Laboratory tests will be done periodically while receiving SANDIMMUNE.

MISSED SANDIMMUNE DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

SANDIMMUNE STORAGE:
Store in the original container below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.