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Neoral (SYE-kloe-spor-een) belongs to the group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents. It is used to reduce the body's natural immunity in patients who receive organ (for example, kidney, liver, and heart) transplants. When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Neoral works by preventing the white blood cells from doing this. Neoral also is used to treat severe cases of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Neoral may also be used for other conditions, as determined by your doctor. Neoral is a very strong medicine. It may cause side effects that could be very serious, such as high blood pressure and kidney and liver problems. It may also reduce the body's ability to fight infections. You and your doctor should talk about the good Neoral will do as well as the risks of using it.
Neoral is used to prevent rejection of kidney, liver, and heart transplants. Neoral is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Neoral comes as a capsule and liquid to take by mouth. Your doctor will prescribe the correct dosing schedule for you. Take your doses at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. You will probably have to take Neoral for a long time, possibly for the rest of your life. Take Neoral exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. The oral liquid comes with a special syringe with markings for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use it, and tell the pharmacist if you have difficulty reading these markings. Remove the protective cover from the syringe and carefully measure the dose. Place the dose in a glass container (be sure to use glass) and dilute it with milk, chocolate milk, or orange juice (preferably at room temperature). Stir the mixture well and drink it immediately. Do not allow it to stand. After taking the dose, rinse the glass with a second portion of just the beverage and drink it to be sure that you receive the entire dose. Dry the outside of the syringe with a clean towel after each use and replace the protective cover. Do not rinse the syringe with water. Brand names: - Cyclosporine - Neoral - Sandimmune - SangCya |