Neoral® is an oral formulation of cyclosporine that immediately forms a microemulsion in an aqueous
environment. Cyclosporine, the active principle in Neoral®, is a cyclic polypeptide immunosuppressant agent consisting
of 11 amino acids. It is produced as a metabolite by the fungus species Beauveria nivea.
Neoral® is indicated for the treatment of adult, nonimmunocompromised patients with severe (i.e.,
extensive and/or disabling), recalcitrant, plaque psoriasis who have failed to respond to at least one
systemic therapy (eg., PUVA, retinoids, or methotrexate) or in patients for whom other systemic therapies
are contraindicated, or cannot be tolerated.
While rebound rarely occurs, most patients will experience relapse with Neoral® as with other therapies
upon cessation of treatment.
Warnings:Psoriasis patients previously treated with PUVA and to a lesser extent, methotrexate or other
immunosuppressive agents, UVB, coal tar, or radiation therapy, are at an increased risk of developing
skin malignancies when taking Neoral®.
Cyclosporine, the active ingredient in Neoral®, in recommended dosages, can cause systemic
hypertension and nephrotoxicity. The risk increases with increasing dose and duration of cyclosporine
therapy. Renal dysfunction, including structural kidney damage, is a potential consequence of
cyclosporine, and therefore, renal function must be monitored during therapy.
