Drug Name

Atopex (Cyclosporine) 100 mg

Drug Uses

Atopex is used to prevent organ rejection after a kidney, liver, or heart transplant.
Atopex is also used to treat severe psoriasis or severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Atopex may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How to use

Take Atopex on a regular schedule with regard to food and time of day.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you use Atopex.

If you also take sirolimus, do not take it within 4 hours after taking Atopex. Check with your doctor if you have questions.

If you miss a dose of Atopex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Atopex lowers your body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight infections. The immune system can also fight or "reject" a transplanted organ such as a liver or kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader.
Atopex are an immunosuppressant. How Atopex works is not fully understood, but it may block certain white blood cells.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Atopex, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Atopex at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in the original container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Atopex out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Atopex if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Atopex
• you are taking bosentan, disulfiram, fluorouracil, metronidazole, orlistat, or a potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, spironolactone)
• you have psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis and also have kidney problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or cancer
• you are using other therapies for psoriasis (eg, PUVA or UVB therapy, methotrexate or other medicines that suppress the immune system, coal tar, radiation therapy)
• you are going to be vaccinated with a live vaccine

Some medical conditions may interact with Cyclosporine Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have liver, kidney, brain, or nerve problems; high blood potassium or uric acid levels; low blood magnesium or cholesterol levels; high blood pressure; cancer; an infection; or problems absorbing food or medicine; or have had a recent vaccination
• if your diet contains a lot of potassium
• if you have a history of seizures

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Acne; burning sensation; coughing; dizziness; flushing; increased hair growth; headache; nausea; runny nose; sleeplessness; stomach discomfort; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stool; blood in the urine; chest pain; chills; confusion; dark urine; diarrhea; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; gum disease or overgrowth; increased or decreased urination; infection; loss of coordination; mental or mood changes; muscle cramps; numbness or tingling of the skin; seizures; severe or persistent headache or dizziness; shortness of breath; sore throat; tremors; unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual lumps; unusual thickening or lesion of the skin; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes; wheezing; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Cyclosporine Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Cyclosporine Capsules are to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.