Sandimmune
Also see more information on Sandimmune Oral from the
First Databank
drug library.
Brand name:
Sandimmune
Pronounced: SAN-dim-ewn
Generic name: Cyclosporine
Other brand name: Neoral
Why is Sandimmune prescribed?
Sandimmune is given after organ transplant surgery to help
prevent rejection of organs (kidney, heart, or liver) by holding
down the body's immune system. It is also used to avoid long-term
rejection in people previously treated with other immunosuppressant
drugs, such as Imuran.
Neoral is a newer formulation of Sandimmune's active ingredient,
cyclosporine. In addition to prevention of organ rejection, it is
prescribed for certain severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis and
psoriasis.
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), and nephropathy (kidney
disease). Sandimmune is sometimes used in the treatment of severe
skin disorders, including psoriasis and dermatomyositis
(inflammation of the skin and muscles causing weakness and rash).
The drug is also used in procedures involving bone marrow, the
pancreas, and the lungs.
Sandimmune is always given with prednisone or a similar steroid.
It is available in capsules and liquid, or as an injection.
Most important fact about Sandimmune
If you take Sandimmune orally over a period of time, your doctor
will monitor your blood levels of cyclosporine 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 to be taken by mouth for an indefinite period following
surgery.
How should you take Sandimmune?
Take the Sandimmune capsule or oral liquid at the same time
every day. You may take the medication either with a meal or
between meals, but be consistent.
To make Sandimmune oral liquid more palatable, you may mix it
with room-temperature milk, chocolate milk, or orange juice. Try to
use the same beverage as often as possible. Neoral oral solution
may be mixed with room-temperature orange or apple juice. It does
not taste good in milk. Use a container made of glass, not plastic.
Never let the mixture stand; drink it as soon as you prepare it. To
make sure you get your full dose, rinse the glass with a little
more liquid and drink that too.
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Also see more information on Sandimmune Oral from the
First Databank
drug library.
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