Cyclosporine is prescribed to treat inflammatory and immune-related skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, pemphigus foliaceus, perianal fistula and pyoderma, as well as many other diseases affecting dogs. Cyclosporine can be more effective than antihistamines and acts faster than some other treatment options. As well, it has fewer side effects and early use can slow an illness's progression.
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Gastrointestinal Side Effects
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Cyclosporine is usually safe and effective, but it causes side effects in some dogs. Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common and include upset stomach, loss of appetite, vomiting, mucous in the stool and diarrhea. About one-third of dogs experience these symptoms, which tend to clear up in a week, even with continued use. The dose can be decreased until the symptoms resolve, when the prescribed dose can be resumed. Side effects commonly occur during the first few weeks and may be minimized if the medicine is administered with food.
Side Effects Related to Feet, Muscles and Nerves
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Cyclosporine can cause footpad callusing, muscle cramps, muscle weakness, tremors or restlessness.
Side Effects Related to Eyes, Ears and Mouth
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Cyclosporine treats eye diseases, and in ointment or eye drop form it effectively stimulates tear production and helps 80 percent of treated dogs with tear deficiency problems. Eye irritation may occur when topical medication is made from oral cyclosporine, but with the veterinary formula, Optimmune, side effects are rare. Some dogs taking cyclosporine develop red and swollen earflaps. Gingival hyperplasia, the overgrowth of gum tissue, is another side effect.
Skin and Coat Related Side Effects
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Some dogs develop acne, and dogs already infected with the papilloma virus may develop an increased number of warts while on cyclosporine. Cyclosporine causes some dogs to develop a much thicker coat and to shed profusely.
Side Effects Related to Allergic Reactions
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If your dog shows signs of an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of the lips, tongue or face, stop giving cyclosporine and immediately seek emergency veterinary care.
Urinary Tract, Fungal and Other Side Effects
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Some dogs experience a change in urinary output and urinary tract infections. Other dogs may exhibit bleeding, bruising, seizures or fever. Long term use of cyclosporine can result in bacterial or fungal infections due to immune system suppression. Therapy should be delayed until any pre-existing infections are treated.
Side Effects Related to Other Conditions
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Cyclosporine is excreted in breast milk and should not be used during pregnancy or lactation or in puppies less than six months of age or weighing less than 4.5 pounds. Cyclosporine is removed from the body by the liver, so dogs with liver disease should not be given this drug, nor should cyclosporine be used in dogs with kidney disease, stomach ulcers and certain blood disorders.
Side Effects Related to Drugs and Vaccines
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Tell your veterinarian about any drugs your dog is taking and any new medications, including herbal remedies you may be considering. Drugs that interact with cyclosporine may cause a decrease in effectiveness or an increase in side effects of either the cyclosporine or the other medication. Vaccines may not work properly when given to dogs taking cyclosporine. Some veterinarians recommend that live vaccines not be given to dogs on cyclosporine.
Side Effects Related to Long-Term Use
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Long-term effects of cyclosporine are unknown, but studies by the drug̵7;s manufacturer on the long-term use of cyclosporine in dogs suggest that "cyclosporine administration may cause abnormalities on routine blood work...not associated with clinical signs of disease." Long-term use may contribute to cancers such as lymphoma. Some veterinarians recommend twice yearly blood panels and blood pressure monitoring for dogs receiving cyclosporine.
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