Cyclosporine for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Overview
Cyclosporine is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Cyclosporine is also used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. Cyclosporine is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Cyclosporine is sold under brand names including Gengraf, Neoral, and Sandimmune.

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant. Cyclosporine is believed to work by limiting the activity of immune cells that contribute to inflammation.

How do I take it?
Take cyclosporine as prescribed, usually once or twice a day.

Cyclosporine comes in capsule and oral solution forms.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for cyclosporine lists common side effects including headache, acne, flushing, depression, insomnia, ear problems, vision changes, unusual bruising or bleeding, pain or pressure in the face, tingling or burning in the extremities, increased hair growth, tremors, increased gum tissue growth, muscle or joint pain, growth of breast tissue in men, gas, heartburn, and diarrhea.

Rare but serious side effects listed for cyclosporine include kidney damage, seizures, high blood pressure, and increased risk for some types of cancer.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Cyclosporine — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601207.html

Cyclosporine treatment of severe Hidradenitis suppurativa--A case series. — The Journal of Dermatological Treatment
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26406923