Sandimmun Injection is used to prevent your body from rejecting a new organ after a liver, kidney, or heart transplant. It is also used in the prevention of graft rejection following bone marrow transplantation. It works by weakening your immune system so that your body does not attack the new organ.
The dose of Sandimmun Injection you take depends on your weight, medical condition, and what you are taking it for. Your doctor will work out the correct dose for you. It is given as an injection under the supervision of a doctor. Retain taking these medicine for as long as you have been told to, even if you feel well. Stopping treatment may increase the risk of your transplanted organ being rejected.
The most common side effects of this medicine include headache, nausea, unusual growth of facial or body hair, high blood pressure, diarrhea, gingival hyperplasia, and tremors. Because it suppresses your immune system, you may catch more infections than usual. You should avoid contact with people who might pass on infections such as measles, chickenpox or flu, and do not have a “live” vaccination. Tell your doctor straight away if you develop an infection. For the same reason, you may be more at risk of developing some cancers, particularly of the skin. You should limit your exposure to sunlight.
Earlier taking this medicine you should tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, high blood pressure, gout (increased uric acid levels in the blood), or epilepsy. Also, tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking as it may affect the working of this medicine. This medicine should only be used in pregnancy if it is clearly needed and is not recommended while breastfeeding. You will have frequent medical tests while taking this medicine to check your blood pressure, liver and kidney function and mineral levels. This may lead to changes in your dose.
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Compassionately do not self administer.
Side Effects:
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Ordinary side effects of Sandimmun
Headache
Decreased white blood cell count
Increased levels of blood fat
Decreased appetite
Increased uric acid level in blood
Electrolyte imbalance
Convulsion
Flushing (sense of warmth in the face, ears, neck and trunk)
Gastrointestinal disturbance
Gingival hyperplasia
Stomach ulcer
Abnormal liver function
Excessive hair growth on face
High blood pressure
Renal dysfunction
Tremors
Increased glucose level in blood
Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation)
Acne
Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth)
Muscle cramp
Muscle pain
Fever
Chubbyigue
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
SAFE
Consuming alcohol with Sandimmun Injection does not cause any harmful side effects.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Sandimmun Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
UNSAFE
Sandimmun Injection is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Sandimmun Injection alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney
CAUTION
Sandimmun Injection should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Sandimmun Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
Liver
CAUTION
Sandimmun Injection should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Sandimmun Injection may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Regular monitoring of kidney function test is advised while you are taking this medicine.
FAQs:
Is Sandimmun Injection a steroid?
No, Sandimmun Injection is not a steroid. It belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents. It decreases the action of the body’s immune system.
Can Sandimmun Injection cause weight gain?
Affirmative, Sandimmun Injection may cause weight gain. However, the changes in weight are uncommon side effects of this medicine. Consult your doctor if these side effects worry you.
Does Sandimmun Injection cause fatigue?
Affirmative, Sandimmun Injection may cause fatigue as a common side effect. However, fatigue could also be due to an underlying disease. Discuss with your doctor if this side effect worries you.
Do I need to get any tests done while being treated with Sandimmun Injection?
Affirmative, the doctor may suggest tests to check the levels of Sandimmun Injection in your blood, especially if you have had a transplant. You may also be advised to get your blood pressure checked before the start of your treatment and regularly during treatment. In addition, liver and kidney function tests along with your blood lipids (fats), will be checked.
Can Sandimmun Injection cause cancer?
Sandimmun Injection is known to suppress the immune system. This as a result, increases your risk of developing cancers, particularly of the skin and lymphoid system. You should limit your exposure to sunlight and UV light by wearing appropriate protective clothing. Sunscreen should be applied frequently with a high protection factor.
Does Sandimmun Injection cause hair growth?
Affirmative, the use of Sandimmun Injection may cause abnormal hair growth (hypertrichosis) as a common side effect of Sandimmun Injection, though it does not affect everyone.
What are the side effects of Sandimmun Injection?
Sandimmun Injection may cause side effects such as headache, diarrhea, heartburn, increased hair growth on the face, arms, or back, growth of extra tissue on the gums, acne, flushing, and uncontrollable shaking of a part of your body. You may also experience burning or tingling sensation in the hands, arms, feet, or legs, muscle or joint pain, cramps, pain or pressure in the face, ear problems, breast enlargement in men, depression and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
What is Sandimmun Injection used for?
Sandimmun Injection is used in combination with other medications which are used to prevent transplant rejection (attack of the transplanted organ by the immune system of the person who received the organ) in people who have received kidney, liver and heart transplants. These combination medicines also help to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (a disease, affecting the joints with pain and swelling) in patients whose symptoms were not relieved by methotrexate alone. It is also used to treat psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some areas of the body), and atopic dermatitis (skin allergies).
Written by:
Dr. T. Sharmila Krishna
M.B.B.S., MD (Biochemistry)
Reviewed by:
Dr. Sureshbabu Yadav
M.B.B.S., DIP.DIAB, F.R.S.H
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