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Compare Gengraf vs. Cyclosporine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Cyclosporine modified (Gengraf)
    Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
  • Cyclosporine modified (Gengraf)
    Cyclosporine (Sandimmune)

  • Summary of Gengraf vs. Cyclosporine

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Cyclosporine modified (Gengraf) is an immunosuppressant that helps prevent organ rejection after a transplant (e.g., kidney, liver, heart). It can also treat severe rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis in adults. This medication comes in capsules and a liquid form. It's taken by mouth twice daily, and the dosage depends on your condition. Serious risks of the medication include infection and cancer. Other side effects can include high blood pressure, a lot of hair growth all over, and kidney problems. Cyclosporine modified (Gengraf) is available as both brand name and generic. It's typically taken together with other medications.

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Unmodified cyclosporine (Sandimmune) belongs to a drug class called calcineurin inhibitors. It's used to prevent rejection after an organ transplant, usually along with corticosteroids. Typically, cyclosporine (Sandimmune) is taken by mouth once daily. Your provider will measure the level of cyclosporine (Sandimmune) in your blood to help determine your dose and minimize side effects. This medication is available as a brand-name version and lower-cost generic.

  • Indications of Gengraf vs. Cyclosporine

    Indications for
    •Preventing organ rejection after a kidney, liver, or heart transplant
    •Treating severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
    •Treating severe plaque psoriasis
    Indications for
    •Prevention of heart, liver, and kidney transplant rejection
    •Treatment of chronic (long-term) rejection in heart, liver, and kidney transplant recipients previously treated with other immunosuppressive medications

  • Pros and Cons of Gengraf vs. Cyclosporine

    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Can help treat severe rheumatoid arthritis and plaque psoriasis when other medications haven't worked well
    •For organ transplant, might be safe for children as young as 1 years old
    •Available as a capsule and a liquid
    •Better and more stable absorption into your body than cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
    Cons
    •Might need regular blood draws to check the level of the medication in your body
    •Can cause serious kidney or liver injury
    •Has a risk of serious infections and certain types of cancer
    •Can't easily switch back and forth with cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Comes as a capsule, injection, and oral solution
    •Has been used safely in children age 6 months and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can raise blood pressure and blood sugar
    •Need to have regular lab draws to make sure this medication's levels are within a safe range
    •Interacts with grapefruit juice and a lot of medications

  • Common Side Effects of Gengraf vs. Cyclosporine

    Common Side Effects for

    For preventing rejection after kidney, liver, or heart transplant: Side effects for transplant were reported in people taking a similar medication called cyclosporine (Sandimmune)

    •Shaking (up to 55%)
    •High blood pressure (up to 53%)
    •Excessive hair growth on face, back, and chest (up to 45%)
    •Kidney problems (up to 38%)
    •Urinary tract infection (21%)
    •Viral infections (16%)
    •Overgrowth of gums (up to 16%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (up to 10%)

    For rheumatoid arthritis:

    •Higher creatinine levels (possible kidney problem; up to 48%)
    •Headache (25%)
    •High blood pressure (25%)
    •Nausea (18%)
    •Stomach pain (15%)
    •Excessive hair growth on face, back, and chest (15%)
    •Diarrhea (13%)
    •General pain (13%)
    •Shaking (13%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (13%)
    •Muscle cramps (12%)
    •Numbness, tingling, or burning in arms or legs (11%)

    For psoriasis:

    •High blood pressure (28%)
    •Infection (25%)
    •Higher creatinine levels (possible kidney problem; 20%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •High triglyceride levels (15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Tremor (21-55%)
    •High blood pressure (13-53%)
    •Hair growth on face, chest, and back in females (21-45%)
    •Kidney problems (25-38%)

  • Warnings of Gengraf vs. Cyclosporine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Prescribing physician must be experienced and treatment must be monitored
    •Not equal to cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
    •Risk of serious infections
    •Risk of cancer
    •High blood pressure
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver damage
    •Brain damage
    •Low platelet and red blood cell counts
    •High potassium and uric acid levels
    •Harmful effects from alcohol
    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication absorption
    •Kidney damage
    •Liver problems
    •Possible risk of cancer
    •Serious infections
    •Side effects affecting brain function, nerves, and movement
    •High blood pressure
    •Vaccines

  • Prices with our coupons for Gengraf vs. Cyclosporine

    Learn more about Cyclosporine modified
    Learn more about Cyclosporine

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