Examples
Solution or capsule taken by mouth (oral), or solution taken as a shot (injection)
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Sandimmune | cyclosporine |
The dosage of cyclosporine depends on your body weight.
Why It Is Used
Cyclosporine is used to treat severe plaque psoriasis that has not improved with the use of methotrexate. It is very rarely used.
Cyclosporine should not be used by pregnant women or women of childbearing age.
How Well It Works
Cyclosporine is effective in clearing psoriasis and may help prevent relapse (flare-ups).1
Side Effects
Side effects of cyclosporine include:
- Suppression of the immune system.
- Kidney problems.
- High blood pressure.
- Nonmelanoma skin cancer.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
The safety of long-term treatment is not known.
Cyclosporine is not usually used to treat severe psoriasis in people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Drugs that suppress the immune system are avoided in people with impaired immune systems.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Michele Cronen |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | January 6, 2006 |
Ralph Poore
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