Under the trade name Neoral, cyclosporin is a strong immune-suppressant drug and a primary medication used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. In skin diseases, cyclosporin acts by reducing inflammation in the skin and also reducing cell proliferation by blocking immune factors that may be generating the problem. Studies have shown cyclosporin to be effective and well tolerated in short-term treatment of severe psoriasis (Source: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2001, volume 2, issue 1, pages 41-47), though not as effective as newer options such as etanercept or infliximab.
Cyclosporin is a serious medication. Temporary side effects of cyclosporin can include headaches, gingivitis, joint pain, gout, body-hair growth, tremors, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and fatigue. Of serious concern is the National Toxicology Program’s Eighth Report on Carcinogens (1998), which warns that cyclosporin is “known to be a human carcinogen based on studies in humans.” All of these factors must be weighed and carefully assessed before deciding on this course of treatment.