How long can I stay on cyclosporine?

Generally speaking, patients can remain on cyclosporine indefinitely, as long as there is evidence that the drug is providing some benefit and there are no unwanted or adverse side effects. Some patients require prolonged treatment to prevent or minimize the risk of disease relapse.

For those who respond well to cyclosporine alone or in combination with antithymocyte globulin (ATG), most hematologists reduce the cyclosporine dosage after achieving optimal response. Tapering, or reducing the dosage, is done slowly over a long period of time. If low blood counts and disease symptoms return, your doctor may increase or restart cyclosporine.

For those who experience adverse side effects such as kidney toxicity, the drug must be discontinued.

Cyclosporine works by preventing T-lymphocytes from becoming active. Once the T-lymphocytes are turned off, they stop attacking stem cells in the bone marrow. Then the stem cells may be able to grow back.