How to Use Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine (pronounced sye-kloe-spor-een) is a prescription medication that decreases the body's immune response. By lowering immune response, cyclosporine stops the immune system from attacking transplanted organs such as a kidney, liver or heart. Cyclosporine is also used to help with psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Because cyclosporine lowers the body's ability to fight off infections and disease, it should be used under a doctor's supervision.

Things You'll Need

• Cyclosporine Liquid (water, juice or milk) Glass Spoon

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain a prescription for cyclosporine from your physician. Cyclosporine is sold in gel capsule and liquid emulsion form.

• 2

  Fill a cup with a liquid to mix cyclosporine with. Regular cyclosporine may be mixed with juice or milk. Modified cyclosporine may be mixed with apple or orange juice. If you are taking the capsule form of cyclosporine, swallow the pill whole with a glass of water.

• 3

  Remove the cover from the top of the syringe if you are using liquid cyclosporine. Put the tip of the syringe into the medication. Fill the syringe with the amount of medication your doctor has told you to take per dose by pulling back on the plunger. If you are taking cyclosporine to prevent a transplant rejection, you will be started with a high dose. If you are taking cyclosporine to treat other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, you will start with a low dose.

• 4

  Release the contents of the plunger into the glass with the milk or juice, and stir well.

• 5

  Drink the full contents of the glass immediately. Add a small amount of the liquid you used to mix the medication to the glass and swirl it around. Drink the remaining liquid.

• 6

  Use a clean towel to dry the exterior of the syringe and replace the cover on the syringe.

• 7

  Take cyclosporine as often as prescribed by your doctor. This is generally once in the morning with breakfast and again 12 hours later.