Immunosuppressant (immune system suppressor)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Ciclosporin is a powerful medicine that calms down your immune system (your body's defense system) to stop it from attacking your own body or a transplanted organ. It works by reducing the activity of certain white blood cells that cause inflammation and rejection.
Binds to cyclophilin and inhibits calcineurin phosphatase, preventing dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), thereby suppressing T-lymphocyte activation and interleukin-2 production.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Your doctor will decide your exact dose based on your body weight and condition — this is NOT a drug you can dose yourself. Typically for transplant patients, the starting dose is 10-15 mg per kilogram of body weight daily, split into two doses (morning and evening). Swallow the capsules whole with water, and try to take them at the same time every day. You can take it with or without food, but be consistent — always the same way.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for it. Try setting a phone alarm to help you remember.
Only buy Sandimmun Neoral® or ciclosporin from a registered pharmacy — fake or substandard versions of this drug are very dangerous and can cause organ rejection or kidney failure. Do not switch between different brands of ciclosporin without your doctor's approval, as they are not all absorbed the same way. You will need regular blood tests to check your kidney function and drug levels — do not skip hospital appointments.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they increase ciclosporin levels in your blood and can cause dangerous side effects. NSAIDs like ibuprofen (common painkillers sold in Nigerian pharmacies) can worsen kidney damage when taken with ciclosporin — always ask your doctor before using any painkiller. Some antibiotics and antifungals (like erythromycin and ketoconazole) can dangerously increase ciclosporin levels — always tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you are taking.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Ciclosporin with your other drugs?
Ciclosporin is NOT safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your specialist doctor says the benefit clearly outweighs the risk — always consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C — avoid direct sunlight and high humidity, which is common in Nigeria. Keep the capsules in their original blister pack until you are ready to take them. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Ciclosporin?
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