Cat & Dog - Ciclosporin/Cyclosporin

Why has my veterinary surgeon prescribed this medicine?

Ciclosporin (also called cyclosporin) is an immunosuppressive agent. It is used to reduce the body's natural immunity. The preparation given by mouth is used for several conditions including atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease). It may take up to 8 weeks for the effect to be seen.

An ointment for the eye is available for treating certain types of conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome) and other conditions of the eye. Ciclosporin inhibits the destruction of tear secreting tissue and stimulates tear production. It may take up to two weeks for the effects of the medicine to be noticed.

Your veterinary surgeon will need to monitor your pet's response to treatment.

How do I give this medication?

• Give this medication to your pet as directed by your veterinary surgeon. READ THE LABEL CAREFULLY.
• Your veterinary surgeon will show you how to apply the ointment.
• Try to give this medication at about the same time(s) each day.
• DO NOT give the pet more medicine than directed and DO NOT give more often than directed.
• DO NOT stop giving this medication to your pet unless directed by your veterinary surgeon. Contact your veterinary surgeon ahead of time if your pet requires a repeat prescription.
• Try not to miss giving any doses.
• The person handling the medication should wear disposable gloves and wash their hands after handling the medication.
• In case of accidental ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or label to the physician.

What if I miss giving a dose?

Give the dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular schedule. Do not give the pet two doses at once.

How do I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store this medicine in a cool, dry place at room temperature. Store away from heat and direct sunlight. Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in damp places. The medicine may break down if exposed to heat or moisture.

Potential side effects

• The eye preparation may result in local irritation with redness around the eye and excessive rubbing.
• The oral preparation may cause mild vomiting and diarrhoea and sometimes lack of appetite, muscle cramps, warts, change in hair colour, and swollen ears.
• Other side effects may occur. If you notice anything unusual, contact your veterinary surgeon.

Possible drug interactions

• Make sure to tell your veterinary surgeon what other medication you are giving to your pet.
• Quite often your veterinary surgeon may prescribe two different medications, and a drug interaction may be anticipated. In this case, your veterinary surgeon may vary the dose and/or monitor your pet more closely.
• Drugs may interact such that they can cause an increased or decreased effect or side effects. Although drug interactions may occur, it does not mean that there is necessarily a high risk of any of these occurring. The risk of serious drug interactions is low and should be kept in perspective.
• Contact your veterinary surgeon if your pet experiences any unusual reactions when different medications are given together.