Apo-Cyclosporine Oral and Effervescent Potassium

• Generic Name: cyclosporine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, Sandimmune

Cyclosporine is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (eg, kidney, liver, or heart). It belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents.

When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Cyclosporine works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.

Cyclosporine is also used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have failed treatment with methotrexate. This medicine is also used to treat adults with severe plaque psoriasis after other treatments (eg, PUVA, retinoids, methotrexate) failed.

Cyclosporine is a very strong medicine. It can cause side effects that can be very serious, such as kidney problems. It may also decrease the body's ability to fight infections. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits of this medicine as well as the risks of using it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: potassium bicarbonate
• Dosage Forms: tablet, effervescent
• Other Brand Names: Effervescent Potassium, K-Effervescent, K-vescent, K-vescent, K+Care ET, Klor-Con/EF, Effer-K, Quick-K

Potassium is a mineral that is found naturally in foods and is necessary for many normal functions of your body, especially the beating of your heart.

Effervescent Potassium is used to prevent or to treat a potassium deficiency (hypokalemia).

Effervescent Potassium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.