Cyclosporine (Cats)
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Cyclosporine (Cats) during a consultation by Dr Noor. Cyclosporine for cats information for Perth pet owners.”
Key Information
- This medicine lowers the body’s immune response. It is used when the immune system is acting too strongly and causing problems.
- You may give it with food or without food. Choose one way and keep giving it that same way every day.
- Do not split, crush, open, or break the capsules.
- If you are using the liquid form by mouth, do not wash out the dosing syringe between doses.
- The side effects seen most often are throwing up, eating less, and loose stools. These commonly improve as time goes on. If these problems do not stop or they get worse, contact your veterinarian.
- This medicine can make infections more likely. Cats taking it should stay indoors, should not be fed raw meat, and should not be allowed to hunt. If you think your cat might have an infection, contact your veterinarian right away.
- Use gloves when handling this medicine, and wash your hands well afterward.
- Cyclosporine comes in multiple versions, and one version cannot always be swapped for another. Use only the exact version your veterinarian prescribed.
Note: This handout is meant to address common questions. It is not complete information about this medicine and does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- This medicine reduces immune system activity.
- It comes as capsules taken by mouth and as a liquid taken by mouth.
- The form usually recommended for animals is called “modified cyclosporine.”
Other common names
Atopica, Cyclavance, Gengraf, Modulis, Neoral, Sporimune
NOTE: Sandimmune is “non-modified” cyclosporine and is NOT able to be substituted for other forms.
Uses
- Managing allergic skin disease in cats.
At your veterinarian’s judgment, this medicine may also be used in other animals or for other purposes (extra-label use), including:
- Treating skin or blood problems caused by an immune system that is too active.
- Treating asthma.
- Helping prevent rejection after an organ transplant.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- All other medicines or supplements your cat is taking, because this medicine can react with many other drugs.
- Any health problems your cat has now or has had before.
- Any bad reactions your cat has had to medicines in the past.
- The risks of using this medicine if your cat is pregnant or nursing.
Also tell your veterinarian if your cat will be having allergy testing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use this medicine in cats that:
- Have had an allergic reaction to this medicine.
- Have cancer now or have had cancer before.
- Have feline leukemia virus (FeLV) or feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
- Are pregnant, nursing, or intended for breeding.
Use extra care in cats:
- With diabetes.
- With kidney disease.
- With an infection that is currently present.
- That are also taking other medicines that lower the immune system.
- That are under 6 months of age.
- That weigh under 3 pounds.
Cats taking cyclosporine have a higher chance of getting infections.
Cats taking cyclosporine may also be at risk for an infection from a protozoal parasite (toxoplasmosis). To help prevent this, keep treated cats indoors, do not feed raw meat, and do not allow hunting.
Some animal competitions do not allow certain medicines. If your animal competes, check the rules while your animal is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
- Wear gloves and wash your hands after you handle this medicine.
- While handling this medicine, do not eat, drink, smoke, or use smokeless tobacco.
How do I give this medication? Cyclosporine for cats
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian directed. Always follow what is written on the prescription label.
- You can give it with food or without food, but give it the same way each time. If stomach upset happens, giving it with food may help.
- You may mix cyclosporine into a small amount of food. Be sure your cat eats all of it so the full dose is taken.
- Give it at the same time each day (or at the same times each day if more than once daily).
- Do not split, crush, open, or break the capsules.
- For liquid doses, use only the dosing syringe that came with your prescription.
- Do not wash or rinse the syringe between uses.
- Your veterinarian may change the dose over time depending on your cat’s symptoms.
- If you are unsure about anything, contact your veterinary clinic.
Side effects
Common – contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Vomiting. This often improves with time. Keeping the capsules in the freezer may reduce vomiting.
- Eating less or losing weight.
- Low energy.
- Diarrhea.
- Drooling.
- Gum tissue growing more than usual.
Rare – contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs:
- Not eating at all.
- Weight loss that does not stop or becomes more severe.
- Changes in behavior, such as hiding, acting aggressively, or being more active than usual.
- Urinating often or with pain, low energy, or coughing. These can be signs of an infection.
Severe – stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:
- Yellow color of the skin, gums, or the whites of the eyes (jaundice). This can be a sign of a serious liver problem.
How will I know it's working?
You will not see results right away. It takes multiple doses before effects begin, and it may require steady dosing for several weeks to reach full benefit. As it starts working fully, your cat’s symptoms should improve little by little.
Side effects, however, can start immediately.
If your pet’s symptoms get worse or do not improve, contact your veterinary clinic.
How long will the medication effects last?
After the final dose, the effects may continue for a few days.
If your cat’s kidneys or liver do not work as well, the effects may continue longer.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods, but it is often used for life. Keep giving it for as long as your veterinarian instructs. Refill on time so treatment is not interrupted.
Overdose
If you see an overdose happen or think one may have happened, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control service (a consultation fee may apply):
Have the container or prescription label available if you can.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give the dose as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
If cyclosporine is being used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant, contact your veterinarian if a dose is missed.
Storage
- Keep this medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Sometimes, storing cyclosporine capsules in the freezer is suggested to help reduce stomach upset.
- Leave capsules in the blister packaging until you are ready to give a dose.
- Store where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Liquid forms must be thrown away 8 to 12 weeks after opening, depending on the specific product. Read the product label.
Do not flush this medicine down a toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Medication take-back locations: this is the best option when available. To locate one, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- At-home disposal: place it in your household trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine for later use and do not give it to anyone else.
Questions?
Speak with your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will schedule rechecks and exams to see how well your cat is handling the medicine and how well it is helping.
Your veterinarian may also need to run blood tests from time to time to check the amount of medicine in the body.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”