Cyclosporine has been used as an immunosuppressant for almost 40 years. Primarily used to prevent rejection in kidney, heart and liver transplant recipients, cyclosporine is approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, severe psoriasis and the eye disorder keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Cyclosporine effects are many; most common effects are mild but some cause serious complications. Patients should take cyclosporine exactly as directed to prevent adverse reactions.
Hypertension
The National Institute of Health reports hypertension or high blood pressure as a common effect of cyclosporine, occurring in more than 50 percent of renal transplant patients. Mild to moderate hypertension frequently requires medical treatment with antihypertensive medications. The NIH reports that hypertension typically resolves over time.
Heart Attack
In rare cases cyclosporine has caused heart attack. Possibly triggered by hypertension and underlying health problems, this effect causes debilitation and even death. Patients should seek medical care for chest pain and any other symptoms associated with heart attack.
Electrolyte Imbalances
Cyclosporine commonly increases the blood levels of the electrolytes magnesium and potassium. These conditions--hypermagnesemia and hyperkalemia--can cause irregular heart rhythms. Patients should have periodic lab work to check electrolyte levels to prevent serious complications like ventricular fibrillation, a lethal heart arrhythmia.
Tremor
The NIH reports that tremors occurred in more than 3 percent of clinical patients. Cyclosporine has many central nervous system effects, including headache, insomnia, and numbness and tingling to the extremities. Hand tremors are the most common CNS symptom. However, the rate of cyclosporine absorption is variable and toxic levels can occur. "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010" advises that patients be monitored closely for signs of neurotoxic effects. Symptoms usually occur during initial phases of therapy and can be reversed if the dose of cyclosporine is decreased or discontinued for a period of time.
Hirsutism
Excessive hair growth to unusual places on the body, called hirsutism, occurs commonly, in more than 3 percent of patients taking cyclosporine. This cyclosporine effects go away once the drug is stopped.
Gum Hyperplasia
Overgrowth of gum tissue occurs in a majority of cyclosporine patients. Patients should have regular dental care and practice good oral hygiene to keep the gums and mouth healthy and free of infection.
Nephrotoxicity
Toxic kidney effects occur in approximately one third of transplant patients. If caught early, kidney function can be preserved. However, the NIH reports that from 5 to 15 percent of transplant patients experience chronic renal insufficiency. Higher dosages of cyclosporine present a greater risk for nephrotoxicity.
Hepatotoxicity
High dosages of cyclosporine can damage the liver. According to the NIH, up to 7 percent of transplant patients experience liver toxicity while taking cyclosporine. Patients should take cyclosporine as directed and obtain regular lab work to assess liver function.
References
- National Institute of Health: Cyclosporine
- "Pearson Nurse's Drug Guide 2010"; Wilson, B. A., Shannon, T. M., & Shields, K. M.; 2010
