SANDIMMUNE
Used for Immunosuppressant and Pain & Inflammation
NowPatient helps you obtain your SANDIMMUNE prescription for free or at low-cost. Drug savings programs are suitable for individuals who are insured, don't have insurance or are underinsured and can't afford your medicine.
Manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals
*You can pay as little as $0 per fill using Drug Coupons or Patient Assistance Programs. Subject to applicability & eligibility requirements.
This content is intended for US audiences only
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SANDIMMUNE key facts
What is SANDIMMUNE?
SANDIMMUNE is the brand name for cyclosporine and is available as an oral capsule, oral solution, and an injection.
What dosages is SANDIMMUNE available in?
SANDIMMUNE is available as a 50 mg/mL injection, a 25 mg and 100 mg oral capsule, and a 100 mg/mL oral solution.
What is SANDIMMUNE used for?
SANDIMMUNE is an immunosuppressant that is used for the:
Prevention of heart, liver, and kidney transplant rejection
Treatment of chronic (long-term) rejection in heart, liver, and kidney transplant recipients previously treated with other immunosuppressive medications
How does SANDIMMUNE work?
SANDIMMUNE is a calcineurin inhibitor, which is an immunosuppressant that lowers the activity of your immune system. You need a suppressed (lowered) immune system after receiving an organ transplant so your body doesn’t reject the new organ.
How do I take SANDIMMUNE?
Your provider will calculate the starting dose of SANDIMMUNE based on your body weight. You usually start taking it right before your transplant. The dose will then be adjusted according to your lab values and will usually become lower as time goes on. The typical maintenance dose of SANDIMMUNE ranges from 5 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg by mouth daily. SANDIMMUNE is also available as an intravenous infusion (IV) for people who can’t take oral capsules or solutions. Your provider will switch you over to the oral form of this medication as soon as you’re able to take it.
Is it safe for me to take SANDIMMUNE?
SANDIMMUNE is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have a hypersensitivity to SANDIMMUNE and/or Cremophor EL (polyoxyethylated castor oil).
SANDIMMUNE Common Side Effects
Common side effects of SANDIMMUNE:
- Tremor
- High blood pressure
- Hair growth on face, chest, and back in females
- Kidney problems
SANDIMMUNE Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with SANDIMMUNE. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Seizures
- Serious infections: fever, cough, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches
- Sudden kidney injury: feeling sick or weak, urinating less than usual, confusion, blood in urine, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Liver damage: stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, clay-colored stools, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
- Nerve problems: seizures, tremors, headache, tingling sensation
- Severe allergic reaction with injection form: hives, trouble breathing, swelling in the face or throat
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on SANDIMMUNE
The following medications may interact with SANDIMMUNE:
- Drugs That May Potentiate Renal Dysfunction: Antibiotics, antineoplastic, ciprofloxacin, melphalan, cimetidine, gentamicin colchicine, ranitidine, tobramycin, diclofenac, vancomycin, naproxen, trimethoprim, ketoconazole, and sulindac
- Drugs That Increase Cyclosporine Concentrations: Calcium Channel Blockers, antifungals, antibiotics,glucocorticoids diltiazem, fluconazole, azithromycin, methylprednisolone, allopurinol, nicardipine, itraconazole, clarithromycin, amiodarone, verapamil, ketoconazole, and erythromycin.
Who makes SANDIMMUNE?
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Is SANDIMMUNE safe in pregnancy?
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women and, therefore,. SANDIMMUNE should not be used during pregnancy unless only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Learn more about reporting side effects in the USDrug Savings Guide
A practical guide to saving money and receiving support with prescription costs
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my SANDIMMUNE prescription?
After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your SANDIMMUNE prescription
Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.
How do the NowPatient SANDIMMUNE savings programs work?
After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.
Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.
Are the NowPatient SANDIMMUNE savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.
| Rx Advantage Card* for SANDIMMUNE | Canadian Prescription Savings* for SANDIMMUNE | SANDIMMUNE Drug Coupon* | SANDIMMUNE Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Insured (federal, state or government) | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured (Commercial or Private) | Available | Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Uninsured | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage | Available | Available | Not Available | Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
*This is not insurance.
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of SANDIMMUNE?
No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below
| Rx Advantage Card* for SANDIMMUNE | Canadian Prescription Savings* for SANDIMMUNE | SANDIMMUNE Drug Coupon* | SANDIMMUNE Patient Assistance Program* | |
| Brand | Yes | Yes | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company | Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company |
| Generic | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*This is not insurance.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the SANDIMMUNE savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?
If you are insured with Medicare and the SANDIMMUNE drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.
If you are denied Medicaid for SANDIMMUNE, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the SANDIMMUNE prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, SANDIMMUNE is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.
If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed SANDIMMUNE for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the SANDIMMUNE prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.
If you cannot afford your copay, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.
However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.
The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.
If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the SANDIMMUNE prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:
1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for SANDIMMUNE
If you are having trouble paying for your SANDIMMUNE medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for SANDIMMUNE you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:
- Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
- SANDIMMUNE is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
- You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
- You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers SANDIMMUNE
- If SANDIMMUNE is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications
You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.
2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for SANDIMMUNE
If you are having trouble paying for your SANDIMMUNE medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for SANDIMMUNE you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in and are being treated in the United States
- You are insured and your plan covers SANDIMMUNE
- If SANDIMMUNE is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications
You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.
3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for SANDIMMUNE
Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your SANDIMMUNE treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for SANDIMMUNE you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be currently insured and have coverage for SANDIMMUNE
- You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
- You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
- Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
- Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.
You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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