Drug Interaction Report

CycloSPORINE may increase the blood levels and effects of methadone. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if you experience increased side effects such as excessive drowsiness, tiredness, confusion, disorientation, nausea, vomiting, and shallow or difficult breathing. High blood levels of methadone can also occasionally cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or fast or pounding heartbeats. 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.

Do not use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while you are receiving treatment with methadone. This may increase nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. In severe cases, low blood pressure, respiratory distress, fainting, coma, or even death may occur. You should also avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as this may increase the blood levels and effects of oral methadone. High blood levels of methadone can also occasionally cause an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or fast or pounding heartbeats. Do not exceed the dose of methadone prescribed for you or use the medication more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed by your doctor. Also avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions on how to take this or other medications you are prescribed. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

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.