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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
The papillomavirus may develop large numbers of viral papillomas (warts) while on cyclosporine.Dogs on cyclosporine may develop a thicker coat than usual and more shedding than usual can be expected.Other side effects reported include heavy callusing on the footpads, red/swollen ear flaps, and proliferation of the gums. When cyclosporine was discontinued, these findings either resolved or improved. The gum proliferation can be mitigated by toothpaste containing azithromycin.Interactions with Other DrugsAside from the ketoconazole relationship described above, the following other drugs can increase cyclosporine blood levels:amiodarone (a heart medicine),androgens such as testosterone,antifungals related to ketoconazole,calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine, and imipenem (an antibiotic),certain antibiotics (metronidazole, enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol),allopurinol (used for certain bladder stones),amlodipine (used to lower blood pressure),clopidogrel (a blood thinner), glipizide (used to control high blood sugar),the antacids omeprazole, cimetidine,and metoclopramide (a nausea medicine).Medications that reduce cyclosporine blood levels include:azathioprine and cyclophosphamide (both immune suppressive medicines), famotidine (an antacid), griseofulvin (an antifungal), sulfasalazine and trimethoprim (both antibiotics),and phenobarbital (used to control seizures).Cyclosporine can increase blood levels of digoxin, a heart medication.Cyclosporine may decrease blood levels of:trimethoprim-sulfa (an antibiotic), omeprazole (an antacid),and phenobarbital (a seizure medication).Concerns and CautionsIt could take up to four to six weeks to see a response to cyclosporine in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.Toxoplasmosis is a common infection in outdoor cats with the infectious organism encysting harmlessly long-term in muscle and can be reactivated with cyclosporine use. Toxoplasma antibody titers should be done in cats before using cyclosporine. It is also recommended to avoid feeding raw foods and prevent hunting activities of a cat on cyclosporine to reduce parasite risk.Cyclosporine may not be suitable for cats positive for feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency viruses.Cyclosporine is processed by the liver, so it should be avoided in cats with liver issues unless needed to treat a condition where the immune system causes liver scarring.Pre-treatment blood and urine testing is recommended before an oral cyclosporine trial (but, of course, such testing would be part of a patient's normal evaluation process for most of the diseases cyclosporine might be used for).Vaccinations may not be effective when given to patients on cyclosporine, and live vaccines should be avoided if possible.Cyclosporine should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals. Pregnant women should wear gloves when handling this medication.Oral cyclosporine is best avoided in patients with a history of cancer.Atopica® is labeled for dogs over 4 lbs. only and for cats over
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