1. How long will I need to be on cyclosporine?
Transplant patients generally will stay on cyclosporine as long as that is the treatment of choice for them. If there are signs of rejection, even with blood levels in the therapeutic range, they may be switched to a different immunosuppressive drug. Also, there is a greater chance of toxic side effects the longer a patient is on cyclosporine, so a doctor may choose to alter drug therapy when a transplant patient has been on cyclosporine for more than 2-3 years.
Patients with an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or psoriasis will be treated with cyclosporine only when their symptoms are acute and if other treatments have not been effective. It is not advised that these patients be on cyclosporine for more than a year due to the increase in the likelihood of toxic symptoms the longer they are on the medication. Short-term or intermittent courses of 12 weeks at a time are more advisable.
2. Who orders cyclosporine tests?
Cyclosporine will usually be monitored by doctors who have specific knowledge of the condition or disease for which the drug is prescribed. They tend to be very familiar with cyclosporine and its use in therapy, and they understand the importance of monitoring the drug. They may include your surgeon or your doctor treating you for your arthritis or psoriasis.
3. Can I test my cyclosporine level at home?
No, cyclosporine testing involves special handling and complex procedures and instruments for accurate results.
