Brand Name

Neoral {Novartis}

Generic Name

cyclosporine, pronounced SYE-kloe-SPOR-in

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Drug Guide

The information contained in the following drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

What is Neoral?

Neoral is prescribed to help prevent the rejection of organ transplants, such as heart, kidney and liver transplants. You may be prescribed Neoral along with azathioprine and corticosteroids. Neoral is also prescribed to treat patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not adequately responded to methotrexate. You may be prescribed Neoral to treat plaque psoriasis if you are an adult who is non- immunocompromised and did not respond to at least one systemic therapy, such as a retinoid or methotrexate.

Neoral may also be used for reasons not stated in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Neoral

Neoral capsules are an immunosuppressant and work by suppressing your immune system which helps to prevent your body from rejecting transplanted organs.

Do not take Neoral if you are taking another medication to suppress your immune system like azathioprine or sirolimus; or if you have taken/ will be taking tacrolimus within 24 hours before or after using Neoral.

If you are having radiation therapy, such as psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) or ultraviolet B (UVB) therapy for psoriasis you should not take Neoral.

Do not take Neoral if you are taking aliskiren, bosentan, disulfiram, dronedarone, enzalutamide, lovastatin, metronidazole, mifepristone, orlistat, pitavastatin, spironolactone or simvastatin.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Neoral is in FDA pregnancy category C. It is known that Neoral can cause health problems in your newborn. You should not use Neoral if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Neoral tell your doctor right away. You should not breastfeed while using Neoral as we know that Neoral can pass into breast milk and harm a nursing baby.

Before You Take Neoral

If you are allergic to cyclosporine you should not use Neoral.

If you have kidney or liver problems, nerve problems, gout, high uric acid levels, brain problems, low blood magnesium or low cholesterol levels you should talk to your doctor before taking Neoral.

Talk to your doctor before starting treatment with Neoral if you have high blood pressure, cancer, an infection or a weakened immune system.

If you have problems absorbing food or medicine, have allergies to food or medications, have high potassium levels or if your diet includes large amounts of potassium you should talk to your doctor before using Neoral.

Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or seizures, if you are having phototherapy for psoriasis, receiving radiation treatment, or if you have recently had or will be having a vaccine before beginning treatment with Neoral.

If you are taking certain medications that may harm your kidney, like aminoglycoside, antibiotics such as gentamicin,, amphotericin B, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]
like ibuprofen, tacrolimus or vancomycin talk to your doctor before you take Neoral.

Take care to tell your doctor if you are taking medications that can harm your liver, such as acetaminophen, ketoconazole, isoniazid, methotrexate and certain HIV drugs before you start treatment with Neoral.

Neoral Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:

• acetaminophen
• aminoglycoside
• amphotericin B
• antibiotics like gentamycin
• blood pressure medications
• diuretics or water pills like chlorothiazide (Diuril)
• ketoconazole
• HIV medications
• isoniazid
• methotrexate
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] like ibuprofen
• Parkinson’s disease medications
• tacrolimus
• vancomycin
• warfarin (Coumadin) and other blood thinners

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Neoral. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Neoral

You should take Neoral exactly as directed by your doctor. It is important that you do not take Neoral in larger or smaller amounts, or for longer or shorter than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label and follow any dose changes carefully if your doctor instructs you to change your dose.

You should take the Neoral capsules with a full glass of water, and swallow the capsule whole. Do not break the capsule.

Neoral should be taken at the same time every day and at regular intervals. Do not stop taking Neoral without talking to your doctor first.

Take care to refrain from eating grapefruit products while you are taking Neoral.

Neoral needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Neoral you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not apply extra Neoral to make up for a missed dose.

Neoral Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Neoral and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• appearance change of a mole
• black or tarry stools
• bleeding easily
• bruising easily
• burning, numbness or tingling on your body
• chest pain that may include arm or jaw pain
• confusion and/or decreased coordination
• diarrhea that is persistent or severe
• gum disease or gum overgrowth
• hearing difficulties or ringing in your ears
• infection signs, such as chills, fever and painful or warm skin
• irregular heartbeats
• jaundice, with yellowing of your eyes or skin
• liver problems such as clay-colored stools and dark urine
• lumps, swelling or thickening that is unusual on your skin
• mouth sores and/or swelling of your mouth
• muscle aches and cramps
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• stomach pain that is severe
• sweating that is sudden and extreme
• tremors
• urinary problems that may indicate kidney problems, such as blood in your urine
• vision changes like blindness
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• weakness that is unusual
• wheezing

Less serious side effects of Neoral may include:

• acne
• mild diarrhea
• dizziness
• headache
• increased hair growth
• insomnia
• nausea
• runny nose
• upset stomach
• vomiting

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Neoral. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Neoral Description and Dosing

Neoral is available as 25 mg and 100 mg soft capsules. The 25 mg capsule is oval, blue-gray and is imprinted in red, “Neoral” over “25 mg.”

The 100 mg capsule is oblong, blue-gray and imprinted in red, “Neoral” over “100 mg.”

You should consult your doctor for specific dosing pertaining to you. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Neoral you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Neoral

Neoral is comprised of the main ingredient cyclosporine. Inactive ingredients are corn oil-mono-di-triglycerides, polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil, DL–tocopherol, gelatin, glycerol, iron oxide black, propylene glycol, titanium dioxide and carmine.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

**All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.