Drug Interactions between cyclosporine and Vascor

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 bepridil. You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with bepridil. 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.

Bepridil and ethanol (alcohol) may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. 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.

Using bepridil together with multivitamin with minerals can decrease the effects of bepridil. Talk with your doctor before using bepridil and multivitamin with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take 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.