Neoral (Ciclosporin)

Ciclosporin, the active ingredient in Neoral, is a calcineurin inhibitor presented as a 100 mg/mL oral solution for oral use. It treats organ transplant rejection, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and severe atopic dermatitis in appropriate patients.

GNH USA supplies Neoral as a licensed, GDP-compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, transplant centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Neoral (ciclosporin) is used in conditions where immune modulation is required, particularly in transplant medicine and inflammatory skin or joint disorders.

- Organ transplant rejection: prevents acute and chronic rejection by suppressing T‑cell activation. - Psoriasis: reduces plaque formation and severity by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines. - Rheumatoid arthritis: improves joint symptoms and slows disease progression through immune suppression. - Severe atopic dermatitis: decreases skin inflammation and pruritus by limiting T‑cell mediated responses.

Neoral may cause a range of adverse reactions, varying from mild to severe.

Common Side Effects: - Tremor: mild shaking of hands or limbs. - Hypertension: elevated blood pressure. - Hyperlipidaemia: increased cholesterol or triglycerides. - Nausea: upset stomach or vomiting.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Nephrotoxicity: impaired kidney function. - Hepatotoxicity: liver enzyme elevation or injury. - Infections: heightened susceptibility to bacterial, viral or fungal infections. - Malignancy risk: possible increased risk of lymphomas or skin cancers.

Before initiating therapy with Neoral, several safety considerations should be observed. - Renal function monitoring: assess serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate regularly. - Blood pressure control: monitor and treat hypertension during therapy. - Lipid profile assessment: check cholesterol and triglyceride levels periodically. - Drug interactions: review concomitant medications for potential cyclosporine interactions. - Pregnancy and lactation: avoid use unless benefits outweigh risks; consult specialist. - Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, retain in original container, protect from moisture and light.

Neoral interacts with several medicines that can alter its concentration or toxicity.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Ketoconazole and other azole antifungals: markedly increase cyclosporine blood concentrations, raising toxicity risk. - Rifampicin: significantly reduces cyclosporine levels, potentially leading to graft rejection. - St. John’s wort: induces metabolism and lowers cyclosporine exposure, compromising efficacy.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - NSAIDs: may add to nephrotoxic potential; monitor renal function. - Statins (especially simvastatin): increased risk of myopathy; consider dose adjustment.