Neoral (Cyclosporine) for Psoriasis

Overview
Neoral is a prescription medication originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1983. Neoral is approved to treat severe psoriasis in adults who do not respond to other treatments. Neoral is sometimes prescribed to treat psoriatic arthritis. Neoral is also known by its drug name, cyclosporine.

Neoral is an immunosuppressant, or, in other words, a drug that suppresses the immune system. Neoral binds to proteins in T cells, a type of white blood cell involved in autoimmune reactions and interferes with their growth and activity. Neoral is believed to work by inhibiting T cells from participating in autoimmune attacks.

How do I take it?
Neoral is taken orally as a capsule once or twice a day. Take Neoral at the same time each day.

Your doctor may order regular blood tests to monitor your kidney function while you are taking Neoral, especially if you are older.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Neoral. Your doctor may also ask you to limit the amount of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, prunes, and orange juice you consume while taking Neoral.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds while using Neoral. Cover skin with clothing or sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher if you go out into the sunshine.

Visit your dentist regularly while taking Neoral, and inform them that you are taking the medication.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Neoral.

Side effects
Common side effects of Neoral include kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure, cramps, acne, tremor, convulsions, increased growth of the gums, nausea, vomiting, liver toxicity, and sinus infection.

In rare cases, Neoral may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. The risk increases with exposure to sunlight and past treatment with coal tar, methotrexate or other immunosuppressive drugs, light therapy, or radiation.

You may be more likely to contract infections, including serious and life-threatening infections, due to decreased immune system function while taking Neoral. Contact your doctor if you develop signs of infection such as fever, cough, trouble breathing, white patches in the mouth, or unusual vaginal discharge.

Neoral can cause high blood pressure and liver and kidney problems. Inform your doctor if you develop pale or yellowing skin or eyes, vision or mood changes, seizures, confusion, rash, or swelling in your extremities.

For more information about this treatment, visit:

Neoral — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/neoral-drug.htm