Neoral (Ciclosporin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Neoral Used For?
Neoral is a medication that helps manage the immune system to prevent organ rejection after transplants and treat certain autoimmune conditions.
Primary Uses
Neoral is primarily used to prevent organ rejection in kidney, liver, or heart transplant recipients. It also treats nephrotic syndrome, severe rheumatoid arthritis, severe psoriasis, and severe atopic dermatitis.
How It Works
Neoral works by blocking the immune response that would normally attack transplanted organs and helps manage autoimmune diseases.
Good to know: Neoral is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Neoral
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking Neoral.
Dosage Instructions
Neoral is available in capsules and an oral solution. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your weight, condition, and response to treatment. It is usually taken twice a day.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses.
Important: Never double your dose to make up for a missed one.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Tremors
- Burning sensation in hands or feet
- Excess hair growth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Swollen or puffy gums
- Skin rash
- Itchy skin
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; rash or hives
- High fever, chills, feeling very unwell, confusion, rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, frequent infections, extreme tiredness or weakness
- Severe headache, sudden confusion, trouble seeing, hallucinations, difficulty speaking, seizures
- Severe stomach pain, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Muscle cramps, weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, fainting, seizures
- Little or no urine, bloody or smelly urine
- New lumps or changes to existing moles
Important Warnings
There are several important considerations before using Neoral.
Who Should Not Take Neoral
Do not use Neoral if you are allergic to ciclosporin or any of its ingredients. It should not be taken by individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure or infections.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Inform your doctor if you have kidney problems, any type of cancer, liver issues, or severe heart, lung, or blood vessel diseases.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as Neoral may pose risks to both mother and child. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Neoral.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications can interact with Neoral, affecting its effectiveness.
Grapefruit interaction: Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Neoral as they can affect how the medication works.
- Methotrexate
- Erythromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Azithromycin
- Rifampicin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Trimethoprim
- Gentamicin
- Tobramycin
- Vancomycin
- Fluconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Voriconazole
- Amphotericin B
- Tacrolimus
- Everolimus
- Sirolimus
- Mycophenolate sodium
- Diuretics
- Heart or blood pressure medications
- Digoxin
- Statins
- Fenofibrate
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Methylprednisolone
- Colchicine
- NSAIDs
- Recombinant human erythropoietin
- Repaglinide
- Cannabidiol
- Cimetidine
- Ranitidine
- Orlistat
- St John's wort
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while on Neoral.
Alcohol
Discuss alcohol use with your doctor, as it may lead to unwanted effects while taking Neoral.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Neoral may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Exercise caution when driving or using machinery until you know how it affects you.
Storage
Store Neoral capsules below 25°C for 10mg and below 30°C for 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg capsules. The oral solution should be kept between 15-30°C. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from moisture and sunlight.
Overdose Information
In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include severe side effects listed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Neoral to work can vary based on the individual and the condition being treated.
Avoid taking Neoral with grapefruit or fatty meals, as they can affect how the medication works.
No, Neoral is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Neoral without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to complications.
Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor, as it may lead to unwanted effects.
Weight gain is not specifically mentioned as a side effect of Neoral.
Consult your doctor regarding the safety of Neoral for elderly patients, especially those with dementia.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.