Sandimmune – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Sandimmune is an immunosuppressant that is used with other drugs to prevent transplant rejection in patients who have received heart, kidney, or liver transplants. Immunosuppressants work by decreasing the activity of the immune system.

A transplant rejection may occur if the transplanted organ is attacked by the immune system of the organ recipient.

Additionally, Sandimmune can be used on its own or with Rheumatrex (methotrexate) to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in people whose symptoms can’t be treated by Rheumatrex alone. The drug can also be used to treat psoriasis, a skin disease where red and scaly patches form on some areas of the body, in individuals who don’t respond well to other treatments.

Sandimmune’s generic name is cyclosporine, and its other brand names include Gengraf and Neoral.

Known health risks or side effects of Sandimmune

Sandimmune may cause common side effects such as:

• Acne or the increased growth of facial/body hair
• Diarrhea or nausea
• Increased blood pressure
• Painful or swollen gums
• Shaking or tremors

You may need emergency medical attention if you experience severe side effects such as:

• Changes in behavior or mood
• Changes in vision
• Confusion
• Difficulty controlling body movements
• Jaundice/yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Loss of consciousness
• Pale skin
• Purple blotches on the skin
• Rash
• Seizures
• Swelling of the arms, hands, lower legs, feet, or ankles
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

List of organs that might be affected by Sandimmune

An overdose of Sandimmune may cause complications like jaundice or swelling in the extremities such as the hands or feet.

The immunosuppressant may also cause an allergic reaction. The signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing; hives; or the swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to Sandimmune

After a kidney transplant, instead of taking Sandimmune (which may have negative side effects), avoid consuming foods that have a high risk of food poisoning, such as:

• Foods with raw eggs (e.g., mayonnaise)
• Raw or undercooked fish, meats, and shellfish
• Unpasteurized cheese, milk, or yogurt

Once your kidney is working properly, follow a healthy diet to lower your risk of developing complications like diabetes.

An ideal diet includes:

• About five portions of fruits and vegetables every day
• A lot of whole grain starchy foods (e.g., bread, pasta, potatoes, and rice)
• Some beans and pulses, eggs, fish, meat, and other non-dairy sources of protein
• Some milk and dairy

Do not eat food with high levels of salt. Salt can cause high blood pressure, and this may be fatal for individuals who have had a kidney transplant.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of Sandimmune

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with Sandimmune, such as diarrhea:

• Applesauce – Applesauce has pectin that can help firm soft bowel movements. Spread applesauce on a slice of dry toast if you have diarrhea to avoid upsetting your stomach.
• Caraway tea – Caraway tea can help ease intestinal spasms and discomfort caused by diarrhea. Brew caraway tea by adding one teaspoon of caraway seeds to a cup of boiling water. Cover the mixture. Let it steep for 15 minutes and strain before serving.
• Honey – Honey can help treat diarrhea. Add four tablespoons of honey into a cup of hot water. Let cool before drinking.
• Orange peel tea – Orange peel is a traditional diarrhea remedy and general digestive aid. Use organic oranges if you’re making this tea. Peel an orange, then chop the peel finely. Put the peel in a pot and cover it with a pint of boiling water. Cover the pot tightly and steep until cool. Strain the mixture, then sweeten with honey before drinking.

Where to learn more

• 16 herbs and supplements for allergy relief
• Cannabis found to be possible ‘cure’ for organ transplant rejection
• Grapefruit Calories, Carbs, and Nutrition Facts
• How To Love Your Winter Skin
• A Plan for Living a Long and Healthy Life (Part 2)

Summary

Sandimmune is an immunosuppressant that is used with other drugs to prevent transplant rejection in patients who have received heart, kidney, or liver transplants.

Sandimmune may cause common side effects such as acne, the increased growth of facial/body hair, diarrhea, or nausea.

An overdose of Sandimmune may cause complications like jaundice or swelling in the extremities such as the hands or feet.

After a kidney transplant, instead of taking Sandimmune (which may have negative side effects), avoid consuming foods that have a high risk of food poisoning. Follow a healthy diet to lower your risk of developing complications like diabetes.

Applesauce, caraway tea, honey, and orange peel tea can help prevent the side effects associated with Sandimmune, such as diarrhea.

Sources include:

MedlinePlus.gov

Drugs.com

NHS.uk

RD.com