Cyclosporine and Alcohol/Food Interactions

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the levels of cycloSPORINE in your body and should generally not be consumed during treatment. High blood levels of cycloSPORINE can lead to increased risk of serious side effects on kidney, liver, and nervous system functions. If you regularly consume grapefruits or grapefruit juice, you should be monitored for side effects and/or changes in cycloSPORINE levels. However, do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. You should also take cycloSPORINE on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals. Let your doctor know if you experience fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), decreased urination, excessive thirst, swelling, weight gain, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headache, blurred vision, numbness/burning/tingling in the hand and feet, tremors, or convulsions, as they may be symptoms caused by excessive effects of cycloSPORINE.

cyclosporine - hypertension

The use of cyclosporine is contraindicated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis with uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension, possibly due to renal vasoconstriction, has occurred in 50% of patients receiving cyclosporine. Antihypertensive therapy may be necessary for kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine. Hypertension may decline with continued used, but has persisted in some patients.