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Ciclosporin is an organic substance that exhibits a reversible immunosuppressive effect. It has a wide range of applications and can be used to treat both dry eye syndrome and to prevent organ or bone marrow rejection after transplantation. How does cyclosporine work?
Cyclosporin is a polypeptide that is used in clinical therapy due to its immunosuppressive effects. Thanks to this, the substance has many different uses. At the same time, the use of cyclosporine is associated with a high risk of serious complications.
Cyclosporine – action
Cyclosporine is immunosuppressive, and therefore it is often used as part of the anti-rejection therapy. The mechanism of action of cyclosporine is quite complicated. After administration, it suppresses immune reactions as well as weakens the work and secretion of immunocompetent cells. The action of cyclosporine is reversible. The substance is absorbed to varying degrees, which is influenced by, for example, diet.
Ciclosporin should not be used by pregnant women and breastfeeding women.
The action of cyclosporine is also used to treat dry eye syndrome. The condition is associated with immune and inflammatory reactions. During treatment, cyclosporine is administered as eye drops, preferably directly into the conjunctival sac. Even cyclosporine administered in this way enters the bloodstream to some extent.
Cyclosporine – application
Ciclosporin is used in the case of:
- attempts to prevent rejection of transplants, e.g., bone marrow;
- prophylaxis of bone marrow diseases after transplantation;
- non-infectious uveitis;
- therapy of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis;
- treatment of steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome in adults and children;
- the need to induce or maintain remission from steroid use;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- psoriasis when other treatments have not worked;
- severe atopic dermatitis;
- topical treatment of keratitis.
Cyclosporine – side effects
Ciclosporin is not a drug free from side effects. This substance increases the risk of lymphoma and other malignancies. Due to the fact that it is an immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporine increases the risk of infections of all origins.
Moreover, cyclosporine may increase the levels of creatinine and urea. The appearance of changes depends primarily on the amount of the applied dose. Long-term treatment with cyclosporine may lead to changes in the structure of the kidneys. That is why it is so important to distinguish them from changes related to the rejection of this organ after transplantation and the control of kidney function (especially in the elderly). This is the main contraindication to the use of cyclosporine in people with renal impairment.
Ciclosporin also causes an increase in the levels of bilirubin and liver enzymes in some patients.
It is also necessary to monitor the level of blood pressure and, if necessary, introduce appropriate treatment. The levels of potassium, magnesium and uric acid as well as lipid metabolism should also be monitored.
In addition, cyclosporine may lead to an increase in blood cholesterol levels, tremors, headaches, leukopenia, hyperglycaemia, increased levels of uric acid, potassium, magnesium, as well as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.