Cyclosporine, whole blood

Cyclosporine (cyclosporin A, CsA), is an immunosuppressant that is used to prevent or treat organ rejection for kidney, liver, heart and bone marrow transplants. Cyclosporine is also used for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Nephrotic Syndrome and many autoimmune based diseases. The drug, a metabolite of the fungus Beauveria nivea, is a small polypeptide containing 11 amino acids. While cyclosporine has immunosuppressant properties, the exact mechanism of action is unknown. It appears that cyclosporine inhibits the release and production of interleukin-2, which is needed for the induction of T-lymphocytes. T-lymphocytes are the primary contributors to the immune response that causes the body to reject transplanted organs.

Nearly 50 per cent of patients taking cyclosporine experience hypertension. Less frequently occurring side effects include: gastrointestinal abnormalities (abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia, nausea), hepatotoxicity, hyperlipidemia, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia, CNS disturbances, hyperglycemia, and infection.