Cyclosporine prescription available online

Cyclosporine can treat conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, unresponsive psoriasis, and eczema. Additionally, the drug is often used in combination with other medications, like steroids or other immunosuppressants, to stop the body from rejecting an organ transplant.^{1 (}The medication is specifically used for people who have received liver, heart, or kidney transplants.)

Less commonly, cyclosporine is sometimes used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (or ALS), nephrotic syndrome, graft vs. host disease, ulcerative colitis, among other conditions.⁷

When it is put in the form of eye drops, cyclosporine can treat various eye conditions, like dry eye disease, allergic conjunctivitis, and keratoconjunctivitis, or inflammation of the cornea. ⁷

Often, in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, the body’s immune system goes haywire and causes the body to mistakenly attack itself. Cyclosporine intervenes and treats these conditions by suppressing various parts of the immune system or discouraging the growth of immune cells.

More specifically, in patients who have received organ transplants, the medication helps to suppress white blood cells that might reject the organ. ¹To help people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, cyclosporine prevents the immune system from attacking the body. ⁴

In patients with dry eye disease, the medication helps decrease swelling in the eye, which can allow tears. ³

Like any drug, cyclosporine can have side effects. While some are mild, others can be dangerous so it is important to report them to your doctor as soon as possible.¹ Milder side effects of oral cyclosporine can include:  

• Bleeding or tender gums¹ 

• Pimples 

• Runny nose  

More severe side effects, that should be reported to a doctor immediately, can include: 

• Allergic reactions like hives 

• Changes in vision 

• High blood pressure 

• Frequent urination 

• Seizures 

• Numbness or tingling in the extremities 

• Stomach pain 

Eye drops or eye ointment containing cyclosporine can come with specific side effects. These can include burning, eyelid swelling, eye discharge, blurred vision, or a headache. ³ 

Cyclosporine treats a selection of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions including dry eye disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and eczema. It is also used to treat people who have received organ transplants.¹ 

There are many alternatives to cyclosporine. In some cases, it is only used as a last-of-line treatment – like in those with treatment-resistant psoriasis.⁵ 

Your healthcare provider can help you consider different alternatives and find the right treatment plan for you.