1. How long will I need to be on ciclosporin?
Transplant patients generally will stay on ciclosporin as long as that is the treatment of choice for them. If there are signs of rejection, even with blood levels in the therapeutic range, they may be switched to a different immunosuppressive drug. Also, there is a greater chance of toxic side effects the longer a patient is on ciclosporin, so a doctor may choose to alter drug therapy when a transplant patient has been on ciclosporin for more than 2-3 years.
Patients with an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or psoriasis will be treated with ciclosporin only when their symptoms have developed rapidly and if other treatments have not been effective. It is not advised that these patients be on ciclosporin for more than a year due to the increase in the likelihood of toxic symptoms the longer they are on the medication. Short-term or intermittent courses of 12 weeks at a time are more advisable.
2. Who requests ciclosporin tests?
Ciclosporin will usually be monitored by doctors who have specific knowledge of the condition or disease for which the drug is prescribed. They tend to be very familiar with ciclosporin and its use in therapy, and they understand the importance of monitoring the drug. They may include your surgeon or your doctor treating you for your arthritis or psoriasis.
3. Can I test my ciclosporin level at home?
No, ciclosporin testing involves special handling and complex procedures and instruments for accurate results.
