Ciclosporin-Teva Special Precautions

Before and during treatment with Ciclosporin-Teva, tell the doctor straight away: if the patient has any signs of infection, such as fever or a sore throat. Ciclosporin-Teva suppresses the immune system and may also affect the body's ability to fight against infection.
If the patient has liver problems.
If the patient has kidney problems. The doctor will carry out regular blood tests and may change the dose if necessary.
If the patient develops high blood pressure. The doctor will check the blood pressure regularly and may give a medicine to lower blood pressure if necessary.
If the patient has low levels of magnesium in the body. The doctor may give magnesium supplements to take, especially just after the operation if the patient has had a transplant.
If the patient has high levels of potassium in the blood.
If the patient has gout.
If the patient needs to have a vaccination.
If any of these applies to the patient before or during treatment with Ciclosporin-Teva, tell the doctor straight away.
Sunlight and sun protection: Ciclosporin-Teva suppresses the immune system. This increases the risk of developing cancers, particularly of the skin and lymphoid system. The patient should limit the exposure to sunlight and UV light by: wearing appropriate protective clothing; often applying a sunscreen with a high protection factor.
Talk to the doctor before taking Ciclosporin-Teva if the patient: has or has had alcohol-related problems; has epilepsy; has any liver problems; is pregnant; is breast-feeding; or if this medicine is being prescribed for a child.
If any of these applies to the patient (or not sure), tell the doctor before taking Ciclosporin-Teva. This is because this medicine contains alcohol (see Ciclosporin-Teva contains ethanol as follows).
Monitoring during the treatment with Ciclosporin-Teva: The doctor will check: the levels of ciclosporin in the blood, especially if the patient has had a transplant; the blood pressure before the start of the treatment and regularly during treatment; how well the liver and kidneys are working; the blood lipids (fats).
For questions about how Ciclosporin-Teva works or why this medicine has been prescribed, ask the doctor.
In addition if the patient is taking Ciclosporin-Teva for a non-transplant disease (intermediary or posterior uveitis and Behçet's uveitis, atopic dermatitis, severe rheumatoid arthritis or nephrotic syndrome), do not take Ciclosporin-Teva: if the patient has kidney problems (except for nephrotic syndrome).
If the patient has an infection which is not under control with medication.
If the patient has any type of cancer.
If the has high blood pressure (hypertension) which is not under control with medication. If the patient gets high blood pressure during treatment and it cannot be controlled, Ciclosporin-Teva should be stopped by the doctor.
Do not take Ciclosporin-Teva if any of these applies to the patient. If not sure, talk to the doctor or pharmacist before taking Ciclosporin-Teva.
If the patient is being treated for Behçet's uveitis, the doctor will monitor particularly carefully if the patient has neurological symptoms (for example: increased forgetfulness, personality changes noticed over time, psychiatric or mood disorders, burning sensation in limbs, decreased sensation in limbs, tingling sensation in limbs, weakness of limbs, walking disturbances, headache with or without nausea and vomiting, vision disturbances including restricted movement of eyeball).
The doctor will closely monitor if the patient is elderly and is being treated for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. If the patient has been prescribed Ciclosporin-Teva to treat the psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, he/she must not be exposed to any UVB-rays or phototherapy during treatment.
Ciclosporin-Teva with food and drink: Do not take Ciclosporin-Teva with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. This is because these can affect how Ciclosporin-Teva works.
Ciclosporin-Teva contains ethanol: Soft-gelatin capsule: Ciclosporin-Teva contains approximately 18.8 vol. % ethanol (alcohol), which corresponds up to 798 mg per dose used in transplant patients. This is equivalent to nearly 20 ml beer (5%) or 8.3 ml wine (12%) per dose.
Oral solution: Ciclosporin-Teva contains approximately 15.2 vol. % ethanol (alcohol), which corresponds to up to 600 mg per dose used in transplant patients. This is equivalent to nearly 15.2 ml beer (5%) or 6.3 ml wine (12%) per dose.
Alcohol may be harmful if the patient has alcohol-related problems, epilepsy, brain injury, liver problems or if pregnant or breast-feeding. It may also be harmful if this medicine is given to children.
Ciclosporin-Teva contains castor oil: Ciclosporin-Teva contains castor oil, which may cause stomach discomfort and diarrhoea.
Driving and using machines: Ciclosporin-Teva contains alcohol. This may affect the ability to drive and use machines.
Soft-gelatin capsule: Ciclosporin-Teva contains sorbitol: If the patient has an intolerance to some sugars, contact the doctor before taking this medicinal product.
Use in Children: Ciclosporin-Teva should not be given to children for a non-transplant disease, except for treatment of nephrotic syndrome.
Use in Elderly (65 years of age and older): There is limited experience with Ciclosporin-Teva in elderly patients. The doctor should monitor how well the kidneys work. If the patient is over 65 and has psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, he/she should only be treated with Ciclosporin-Teva if the condition is particularly severe.