Cyclosporine Level & Time of Draw

Cyclosporine is a drug that decreases your body's natural defenses. It may be prescribed to increase the chance that your transplanted organ will not be rejected or as a treatment for autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis.

  1. The Test

    • Cyclosporine testing is performed to determine if the drug has reached therapeutic levels and to be sure it has not reached the point of toxicity.

    Peak

    • Peak levels (drug levels tested on a blood sample drawn approximately two hours after a dose is given) indicate if the correct dose of cyclosporine is being administered.

    Trough

    • Trough levels (drug levels tested shortly before the next dose is given) are used to determine if enough cyclosporine remains in your system between doses to be effective.

    Testing Frequency

    • Cyclosporine levels may be ordered on a daily basis at the beginning of treatment, and will then be needed less frequently when a dosing regimen has been established.

    Length of Treatment

    • If you have received a transplant, you may be prescribed cyclosporine for several years. If you take cyclosporine as treatment for an autoimmune disease, you will likely be prescribed the drug in 12-week intervals to avoid toxicity.