Neoral
(cyclosporine)
Suppresses the immune system.
Our bottom line
Neoral (cyclosporine) is good at preventing rejection of a transplanted organ, and is also used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.
- Drug class: Transplant
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cyclosporine)
Upsides
- Neoral (cyclosporine) is safe for pregnant women to use.
- Neoral (cyclosporine) does not affect blood sugar levels as much as others in the same drug class.
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What to expect from cyclosporine, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- You'll need regular blood tests to make sure Neoral (cyclosporine) isn't affecting your body negatively.
- Neoral (cyclosporine) can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage, especially with lifelong use.
- You might need to take other medications to control your blood pressure while on Neoral (cyclosporine).
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What to expect from cyclosporine, on one page
Download Fact SheetNeoral (cyclosporine) is an immunosuppresant that lowers your immune system activity, so your body doesn't reject a transplanted organ. It also lowers inflammation in the body.
- Drug class: Transplant
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (cyclosporine)
Used for
- Prevention of heart transplant rejection
- Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
- Prevention of liver transplant rejection
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Get free coupon
$100.85 - Get free coupon
$100.85
What to expect when you take Neoral (cyclosporine) for Rheumatoid arthritis
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Abnormal hair growth
- Leg cramps/involuntary muscle contractions
- Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet
- Tremor
Side effect rates for Neoral (cyclosporine)
- High blood pressure53%53%
- Abnormal kidney function38%38%
- Tremor31%31%
- Abnormal hair growth28%28%
- Acne20%20%
- Headache15%15%
- Nausea/vomiting10%10%
- Liver damage7%7%
- Stomach discomfort7%7%
- Low white blood cells6%6%
- Blood cell tumor6%6%
- Gum swelling5%5%
- Uncontrolled shaking4%4%
- Diarrhea4%4%
- Swelling of breasts4%4%
- Common cold symptoms3%3%
- Burning or tingling in hands, arms, legs, or feet2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of cyclosporine.
People taking cyclosporine felt side effect more
People taking cyclosporine felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Neoral (cyclosporine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking Neoral (cyclosporine) for a long time
- › Prolonged exposure to sunlight
- › UV light
Long-term use of Neoral (cyclosporine) can raise your risk of skin cancer and lymphoma (cancer of the immune system). Limit your exposure to sunlight and check your skin regularly. Let your doctor know right away if you have skin changes, prolonged fevers, unexpected weight loss, extreme tiredness, or lumps in your neck, armpit, or groin.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Neoral (cyclosporine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Neoral (cyclosporine) can interact with many medications and cause serious or life-threatening side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping medications.
- Neoral (cyclosporine) can damage your kidneys, especially if you have poor kidney function or are taking other medications that can damage your kidneys. Your doctor will order blood tests and change your dose if needed.
- Neoral (cyclosporine) can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage, especially with lifelong use.
- Neoral (cyclosporine) can raise your risk of serious or life-threatening bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. If you develop symptoms of fever, chills, muscle aches, or you notice dark urine, appetite/weight loss, vomiting, or a skin rash, tell your doctor and get medical care right away.