No, Ciclosporin 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.

Yes, Ciclosporin 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.

Yes, the use of Ciclosporin may cause abnormal hair growth (hypertrichosis) as a common side effect of Ciclosporin, though it does not affect everyone.

Yes, Ciclosporin 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.

Yes, the doctor may suggest tests to check the levels of Ciclosporin 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.

Ciclosporin 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.

Ciclosporin 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.

Ciclosporin 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).