Does Cyclophosphamide For Injection Interact with Cyclosporine?
Cyclophosphamide For Injection and Cyclosporine have a major drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Cyclophosphamide may decrease serum concentrations of cyclosporine, resulting in increased incidence of graft-versus-host disease. The mechanism involves decreased serum concentrations of cyclosporine. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Major
- Cyclosporine Class
- Calcineurin Inhibitor Immunosuppressant
- Management
- Close medical supervision required
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Cyclophosphamide For Injection and Cyclosporine occurs because decreased serum concentrations of cyclosporine. Clinically, this means cyclophosphamide may decrease serum concentrations of cyclosporine, resulting in increased incidence of graft-versus-host disease. This is classified as a major interaction, meaning it could cause serious harm if not properly managed. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust dosages, substitute one medication, or increase monitoring frequency.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Cyclophosphamide For Injection and your doctor is considering prescribing Cyclosporine (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Ask how frequently you should be monitored while these are co-prescribed
- Ask whether any dosage adjustments are needed
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider