Can You Take Cyclosporine with Jasmiel?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the levels of cycloSPORINE in your body and should generally not be consumed during treatment. High blood levels of cycloSPORINE can lead to increased risk of serious side effects on kidney, liver, and nervous system functions. If you regularly consume grapefruits or grapefruit juice, you should be monitored for side effects and/or changes in cycloSPORINE levels. However, do not increase or decrease the amount of grapefruit products in your diet without first talking to your doctor. You should also take cycloSPORINE on a consistent schedule with regard to time of day and relation to meals. Let your doctor know if you experience fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), decreased urination, excessive thirst, swelling, weight gain, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, headache, blurred vision, numbness/burning/tingling in the hand and feet, tremors, or convulsions, as they may be symptoms caused by excessive effects of cycloSPORINE.

Grapefruit juice may increase the blood levels of certain medications such as drospirenone. You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with drospirenone. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with the medication, then it is advisable for you to talk with your doctor before changing the amounts of these products in your diet, as this may alter the effects of your medication. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

Ethinyl estradiol may increase the blood levels of caffeine. This may increase the risk and/or severity of side effects related to caffeine. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

Information for this minor interaction is available on the professional version.

The use of estrogens is contraindicated in patients with undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding. Prolonged (greater than 1 year), unopposed estrogen use (i.e. estrogen without concomitant progestin therapy) has been associated with a significant, dose-related risk of endometrial carcinoma. The risk may be offset substantially by the addition of a progestin but may not be completely abolished. Prior to initiating estrogen therapy, appropriate diagnostic tests should be performed in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding to rule out endometrial malignancy. The same applies if recurrent or persistent bleeding develops during estrogen therapy.

The progestin drospirenone (DRSP) has antialdosterone activity, including the potential for hyperkalemia in high-risk patients. The use of DRSP-containing combination hormone is contraindicated in patients with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and adrenal insufficiency). Use caution when prescribing these agents to women who regularly take other medications that can increase potassium, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, heparin and aldosterone antagonists. It is recommended to monitor serum potassium concentrations during the first month of dosing in high-risk patients who take strong CYP3A4 inhibitors long-term and concomitantly.

When treated with an estrogen, patients with breast cancer and bone metastases may develop severe hypercalcemia, in which case the drug should be stopped and measures be taken to reduce serum calcium levels.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The use of oral contraceptives is contraindicated in patients with liver tumors. An increased risk of benign hepatic adenomas and hepatocellular carcinomas has been associated with long-term, oral estrogen- progestin contraceptive use of at least 4 years and 8 years, respectively. Although these tumors are rare and have not been reported with other types of estrogen or progestogen therapies, any preparation containing estrogens and/or progestogens should probably be avoided in patients with existing tumors of the liver. Hepatic hemangiomas and nodular hyperplasia of the liver have been reported with isolated estrogen therapy.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The progestin drospirenone (DRSP) has antialdosterone activity, including the potential for hyperkalemia in high-risk patients. The use of DRSP-containing combination hormone is contraindicated in patients with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and adrenal insufficiency). Use caution when prescribing these agents to women who regularly take other medications that can increase potassium, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, heparin and aldosterone antagonists. It is recommended to monitor serum potassium concentrations during the first month of dosing in high-risk patients who take strong CYP3A4 inhibitors long-term and concomitantly.

The use of cyclosporine is contraindicated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis with uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension, possibly due to renal vasoconstriction, has occurred in 50% of patients receiving cyclosporine. Antihypertensive therapy may be necessary for kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients treated with cyclosporine. Hypertension may decline with continued used, but has persisted in some patients.

The risk of myocardial infarction and strokes, including those associated with oral contraceptive use and some estrogen use, is increased in patients with hypertension. Moreover, estrogens (and progestogens) may elevate blood pressure and worsen the hypertension, thus compounding the risk. Clinically significant blood pressure increases have been reported during estrogen therapy, particularly in patients receiving high dosages or treated with oral contraceptive combinations having high progestational activity. These effects also increase with duration of therapy and patient age. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting hypertension. Some estrogen-based therapies, such as combined hormonal contraceptives, may be contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or hypertension with vascular disease. Patients should be monitored for changes in cardiovascular status, and their antihypertensive regimen adjusted or estrogen therapy withdrawn as necessary. In patients requiring contraception, alternative methods should be considered for those who are hypertensive, over age 35, and smoke.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The progestin drospirenone (DRSP) has antialdosterone activity, including the potential for hyperkalemia in high-risk patients. The use of DRSP-containing combination hormone is contraindicated in patients with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and adrenal insufficiency). Use caution when prescribing these agents to women who regularly take other medications that can increase potassium, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, heparin and aldosterone antagonists. It is recommended to monitor serum potassium concentrations during the first month of dosing in high-risk patients who take strong CYP3A4 inhibitors long-term and concomitantly.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The use of estrogens is generally contraindicated in patients with known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia such as breast and endometrial cancer, since it may stimulate tumor proliferation. High dosages of estrogens may be used for the palliative treatment of inoperable, metastatic breast cancer, but only in appropriately selected men and postmenopausal women.

The progestin drospirenone (DRSP) has antialdosterone activity, including the potential for hyperkalemia in high-risk patients. The use of DRSP-containing combination hormone is contraindicated in patients with conditions that predispose to hyperkalemia (renal impairment, hepatic impairment, and adrenal insufficiency). Use caution when prescribing these agents to women who regularly take other medications that can increase potassium, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), potassium-sparing diuretics, potassium supplements, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, heparin and aldosterone antagonists. It is recommended to monitor serum potassium concentrations during the first month of dosing in high-risk patients who take strong CYP3A4 inhibitors long-term and concomitantly.

The use of cyclosporine is contraindicated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis with abnormal renal function. Cyclosporine causes a reversible reduction in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate resulting in increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Mild nephrotoxicity generally responds to reductions in cyclosporine doses. Persistent, chronic, and progressive nephrotoxicity has occurred. Renal biopsies from these patients can demonstrate interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, global or segmental glomerulosclerosis, or smooth vascular muscle damage. Larger cumulative doses or elevated cyclosporine trough levels may be associated with the development of interstitial fibrosis. Clinical monitoring of renal function is necessary and differentiation between cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity, allograft rejection, and other causes of impaired renal function should be determined prior to cyclosporine dosage adjustments.

Cigarette smoking increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events from estrogen-containing combination oral contraceptives (COC). This risk increases with age, particularly in females over 35 years of age, and with the number of cigarettes smoked. For this reason, COCs are contraindicated in females who are over 35 years of age and smoke.

The use of estrogens is considered by manufacturers and some authorities to be contraindicated in patients with active thrombotic, thromboembolic, or thrombophilic disorders. The use of estrogen-containing oral contraceptives is additionally deemed contraindicated in patients with a history of such disorders and/or current cerebrovascular or coronary artery disease. Females with a history of migraines with aura are at an increased risk for stroke and this stroke risk may be further increased in females who have migraines with aura with use of combination oral contraceptives. Hypercoagulability and changes in various clotting factors and blood components have been observed in women receiving estrogen therapy. Known preexisting risk factors for increased thromboembolic or cardiovascular events include smoking, especially over age of 35; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; obesity; diabetes; age over 40; and lupus. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in the lowest effective dosage and only after careful consideration of risks and benefits. Estrogens should be avoided in patients with a history of thrombotic and thromboembolic disorders associated with estrogen use, except when used in the treatment of metastatic breast or prostatic malignancy.

The use of exogenous estrogens may induce or exacerbate symptoms of angioedema, particularly in women with hereditary angioedema. Consider the risk versus benefits of estrogen therapy. Close monitoring is recommended when prescribing these agents to patients predisposed to angioedema.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

The use of oral contraceptives has been associated with an increased incidence of depression. It is uncertain whether this effect is related to the estrogenic or the progestogenic component of the contraceptive, although excess progesterone activity is associated with depression. Patients with a history of depression receiving estrogen and/or progestogen therapy should be followed closely. The manufacturer of medroxyprogesterone recommends monitoring patients who have a history of depression and to not re- administer medroxyprogesterone if depression recurs.

Impaired glucose tolerance has been observed in some patients administered oral contraceptives and appears to be related primarily to the estrogen dose. However, progestogens can increase insulin secretion and produce insulin resistance to varying degrees, depending on the agent. Caution and close monitoring are recommended in patients with diabetes mellitus during therapy with estrogens and/or progestogens, and adjustments made accordingly in their antidiabetic regimen.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

A two- to four-fold increase in risk of gallbladder disease has been noted in women receiving postmenopausal estrogen therapy. The risk for gallbladder disease may be less for premenopausal women using oral contraceptives containing low-dose estrogens and/or progestins. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting gallbladder disease or a history of pregnancy-related cholestasis.

Estrogens may cause adverse lipid changes. Use of estrogens has been associated with elevations in triglyceride levels, particularly in women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia. Discontinue therapy if elevated triglycerides lead to pancreatitis. Manage hypercholesterolemia appropriately as indicated.

Cyclosporine is extensively metabolized by CYP450 3A enzymes in the liver (some GI and renal metabolism) and primarily eliminated in the bile and feces. Cyclosporine can induce dose-related nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity, usually noted during the first month of therapy (high dosages) is characterized by elevations of hepatic enzymes and bilirubin. Reduction in chemistry levels usually results with dosage reduction. Therapy with cyclosporine should be administered cautiously and dosages modifications considered in patients with or predisposed to hepatic dysfunction. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function, particularly during administration of high dosages, is recommended.

Estrogens are primarily metabolized by the liver. Use of estrogen therapy is contraindicated in patients with liver dysfunction or disease. Patients with impaired hepatic function may be at increased risk for adverse effects associated with estrogen administration due to decreased drug clearance. Patients with hepatic hemangiomas are at increased risk of exacerbation with use of estrogens. Therapy with estrogens should be administered cautiously in patients with cholestatic jaundice associated with past estrogen use or with pregnancy. In addition, clinicians should be aware that estrogen therapy may affect liver function tests.

Patients with malabsorption syndromes may have difficulty achieving therapeutic serum concentrations with the Sandimmune formulations (capsules or solution) of cyclosporine. An alternative formulation, Neoral (capsule or solution for microemulsion), has increased bioavailability compared to Sandimmune. Sandimmune and Neoral are not bioequivalent and should not be used interchangeably without physician supervision.

The use of exogenous estrogens may occasionally cause chloasma, especially in women with a history of chloasma gravidarum. Women with a tendency to chloasma should avoid exposure to the sun or ultraviolet radiation while taking combination oral contraceptives.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

Estrogens may cause adverse lipid changes. Use of estrogens has been associated with elevations in triglyceride levels, particularly in women with pre-existing hypertriglyceridemia. Discontinue therapy if elevated triglycerides lead to pancreatitis. Manage hypercholesterolemia appropriately as indicated.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

Estrogens and progestogens may cause fluid retention, particularly when given in high dosages or for prolonged periods. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients who have preexisting problems with excess fluid. In addition, patients with conditions that may be adversely affected by fluid accumulation, such as asthma, epilepsy, migraine, and cardiovascular or renal dysfunction, should be observed for exacerbation of their condition during estrogen and/or progestogen therapy.

When administering estrogen and/or progestogen therapy in patients with thyroid disorders, clinicians should be aware that these hormones may affect thyroid function tests. Patients on thyroid replacement therapy may require higher doses of thyroid hormone and appropriate monitoring. Changes have mostly been reported with the use of combination oral contraceptives. Specifically, thyroid-binding globulin (TBG) may be increased, resulting in elevated circulating total thyroid hormone, as measured by PBI (protein-bound iodine), T4 by column or radioimmunoassay, or T3 by radioimmunoassay. Free T3 resin uptake may be decreased. On the contrary, a decrease in TBG and, consequently, thyroxine concentration, has been reported by the manufacturers of the progestin-only (norethindrone) oral contraceptives.