Key facts about Sandimmune
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.
