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What is Cyclosporine? Cyclosporine (Modified) capsules are used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs, which is a non-contagious skin disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the skin. While it’s not approved by the FDA for cats, it is commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat cats. Cyclosporine requires a prescription from your veterinarian. For: Cats (6 months or older and weighing 4 lbs. or more) Dogs (6 months or older and weighing 4 lbs. or more) Benefits: • Cyclosporine treats atopic dermatitis, which can come with any of the following symptoms: scratching, licking, chewing, skin infections, hair loss, bad odors, and sleepless nights • Safe and more affordable alternative to steroid shots How it works: Cyclosporine targets cells in the immune system that cause the allergic reaction in your pet. Dosage varies, and can taper off to fewer doses after several weeks. Consult with your veterinarian for specific treatment details. Cautions: Consult your veterinarian about possible side effects or drug interactions. More Information: Brand Name Atopica (Novartis Animal Health) Generic Name Cyclosporine (sy-klo-spor’-een) Modified capsule What is the most important information I should know about cyclosporine modified: Notify your veterinarian immediately if your pet develops fever or chills, unusual bleeding or bruising, pale stools, or darkened urine. These symptoms could be early signs of dangerous side effects. What is cyclosporine modified: Cyclosporine modified is an immunosuppressant available by prescription. Cyclosporine modified is FDA approved for use in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 6 months of age and at least 4 pounds. Cyclosporine is available in 30 capsule blister packs in strengths of 25mg for dogs 9.1 to 16 pounds, 50mg for dogs16.1 to 33 pounds and 100mg for dogs 33.1 to 64 lbs. For dogs 64.1 to 79 pounds give a combination of one 100mg capsule and one 50mg capsule as a single dose. For dogs 79.1 to 121 pounds give two 100mg capsules as a single dose. The medication is usually given once a day to start until satisfactory improvement is seen, usually 4 to 8 weeks. The medication can then be given every other day until the clinical signs of atopic dermatitis are satisfactorily controlled, then the medication can be given every 3 or 4 days. What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving cyclosporine modified: Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver disease, kidney disease, cancer, high blood pressure, a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, or any other serious or chronic condition. Tell your veterinarian if your pet is pregnant or lactating, and if you plan to breed your pet. How should this medication be given: Give cyclosporine modified exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If you do not understand these directions, ask your veterinarian or pharmacist to explain them to you. Always give cyclosporine modified 2 hours before or 2 hours after a meal. Allow plenty of water for the pet to drink. Do not remove a capsule from the blister pack until required for use. When the capsule is removed from the blister pack there is a characteristic, noticeable smell which is normal. Your veterinarian may want your pet to have regularly scheduled blood tests during treatment to monitor effectiveness and side effects. Store cyclosporine modified at room temperature away from moisture and heat. What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not give a double dose unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. What should I avoid while giving cyclosporine modified to my pet: The safe use in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been determined. Do not use cyclosporine modified in dogs with known allergy to the medication. The drug should not be used in dogs with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, and certain blood disorders. Prolonged use of cyclosporine modified can result in bacterial or fungal infection related to a decreased effect of the immune system. What are the possible side effects of cyclosporine modified: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving cyclosporine modified and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, and hives). Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving cyclosporine modified and talk to your veterinarian if your pet develops vomiting, soft stools or diarrhea, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, and change of hair coat. Other side effects may occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal. What other drugs will affect cyclosporine modified: There are many drug/drug interactions that occur when taking cyclosporine modified. Tell your veterinarian what medications your pet is currently using and any new products, including herbal remedies you may start to give. Drug/drug interactions could cause a decrease in effectiveness or an increase in side effects of either cyclosporine modified or the other medication being given. Examples of medications that may cause drug/drug interactions are; SMZ-TMP (Bactrim, Septra), gentamicin, etodolac (EtoGesic), piroxicam (Feldene), ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), itraconazole (Sporanox), methylprednisolone (Medrol), erythromycin, Allopurinol (Zyloprim), metoclopramide (Reglan), prednisOLOne, digoxin (Lanoxin), any type of vaccination. Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about cyclosporine modified written for health professionals that you can read. Directions: • Cyclosporine (modified) is a selective immunomodulator used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in dogs and cats 6 months and older and at least 4.5 lbs. • Cyclosporine (modified) is available as 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg blister packs, each containing 30 capsules. Tip: Do not remove capsule from blister pack until required for use. When the capsule is removed from the blister pack there is a characteristic, noticeable smell which is normal. Storage: Store this product at room temperature. Some variation in the color of the powder may occur from batch to batch.