Sandimmune (Cyclosporine) is given after organ transplant surgery to help prevent rejection of organs (kidney, heart, or liver) by holding down the bodys immune system.

Sandimmune is also used to avoid long-term rejection in people previously treated with other immunosuppressant drugs, such as Imuran.

Some doctors also prescribe Sandimmune to treat alopecia areata (localized areas of hair loss), aplastic anemia (shortage of red and white blood cells and platelets), Crohn s disease (chronic inflammation of the digestive tract),

Sandimmune contains the active ingredient cyclosporine, which is a type of medicine called an immunosuppressant. Sandimmune works by dampening down the bodys immune system.

Sandimmune suppresses the immune system by preventing white blood cells called T lymphocytes from producing substances called lymphokines. Lymphokines normally stimulate the growth of T and B lymphocytes, which are white blood cells responsible for regulating and triggering immune responses. They provide defence against infection and foreign cells.

By preventing

ADULTS
Transplant Rejection
Your doctor will tailor your dosage of Sandimmune in accordance with your bodys response. Expect a single dose of 15 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight 4 to 12 hours before a transplant and 1 dose daily for 1 to 2 weeks after the operation. After that, the doctor may keep you on a daily dose of 5 to 10 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight.

Psoriasis or Rheumatoid Arthritis
The starting dosage is 2.5 milligrams of Sandimmune per 2.2 pounds of body weight divided into 2 doses per

Tell you doctor what medicines you are taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Sandimmune. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while you are taking Sandimmune.

The immunosuppressant Tacrolimus must not be taken with Sandimmune.

The following medicines may decrease the blood level of Sandimmune :

• barbiturates, eg phenobarbital, amobarbital
• carbamazepine
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Most Important Fact about Sandimmune Cyclosporine
If you take Sandimmune orally over a period of time, your doctor will monitor your blood levels of Sandimmune to make sure your body is receiving the correct amount of Sandimmune . The reason for this repeated testing is that the absorption of this drug in the body is erratic. Constant monitoring is necessary to prevent toxicity due to overdosing or to prevent possible organ rejection due to underdosing. It is important to note that Sandimmune may need

More common side effects of Sandimmune, Cyclosporine may include:

• abdominal discomfort,
• acne,
• breathing difficulty,
• convulsions,
• coughing,
• cramps,
• diarrhea,
• flu-like symptoms,
• flushing,
• headache,
• liver damage,
• lymph system tumor,
• muscle,
• bone, or joint pain,
• nasal inflammation,
• nausea,
• numbness or tingling,
• sinus inflammation,
• vomiting,
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