Sandimmune (cyclosporine) is a potent immunosuppressant which is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant recipients. It is also used to treat severe autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease. Sandimmune works by suppressing the immune system and preventing it from attacking transplanted organs or tissues.
Cyclosporine, the active ingredient in Sandimmune, is an immunosuppressive drug originally derived from a fungus. It works by inhibiting the production of cytokines, which are small proteins released by immune cells that act as messengers for the immune system. By preventing cytokines from being produced, cyclosporine prevents the body from mounting an immune response against the transplanted organ or tissue.
Sandimmune is typically administered orally or intravenously, although it can also be injected directly into the transplant site. The dosage and length of treatment are determined by the doctor, and may depend on the type of transplant and the patient’s medical condition. Generally, Sandimmune is given in conjunction with other immunosuppressive medications, such as azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil.
Common side effects of Sandimmune include headache, nausea, diarrhea, and high blood pressure. More serious side effects, such as kidney damage or liver damage, can occur in some cases. Sandimmune can also cause an increased risk of infection, as it suppresses the immune system. For this reason, it is important to take precautions to avoid infections, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding contact with people who are sick.
In summary, Sandimmune is a potent immunosuppressant which is used to prevent organ rejection and treat autoimmune disorders. It works by inhibiting cytokine production, which prevents the body from mounting an immune response against the transplanted organ or tissue. Sandimmune is typically given with other immunosuppressants, and it can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and diarrhea. It is important to take precautions to avoid infections, as Sandimmune suppresses the immune system.
References
Baldwin, M. E. (2020). Cyclosporine (Sandimmune). In StatPearls. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537240/
Gardner, D. J. (2020). Cyclosporine (Sandimmune). In UpToDate. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/cyclosporine-sandimmune
Kumar, N., & Kini, H. (2020). Cyclosporine (Sandimmune): Uses, Side Effects, and More. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/cyclosporine-sandimmune