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Canine Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA & IMHA) - Cyclosporine Drug Interaction
| I am getting very confused about how and when to give Cyclosporine. Because of the extensive medication list that Darcy is on, our regular vet helped me with the medication schedule chart. Darcy eats breakfast at 6:30. At 8:00 each morning I give her a Carafate (stomach protectant); at 8:30 I give her a 25 mg. Cyclosporine, then a Soloxine (thyroid med). I repeat this 12 hours later. In between there's the Azathoropine once in the afternoon, and the Prednisone at 9:15 p.m., and the Pet Tinic twice daily. The vet told me that I was beating myself up too much, trying to figure out how to administer the Cyclosporine and the Soloxine without interference with the other meds. She told me that giving the Cyclosporine, as I listed above, with the Soloxine would be fine, that it would get into her system. The internal specialist is aware of this, also. Now I'm worrying if this schedule is right. How does one lead a normal life that includes job, school, church, limited social life, etc., and still get this dosage thing right? I'm trying to do everything I can for my precious dog, but sometimes I feel like it's not enough. Darcy will have her Cyclosporine level tested in the morning, so it will be interesting to get those results. Her PCV dropped from 20% last week, to 17% today. Karen |
| Karen NC |
| Karen, We know how you feel! I bought a few med reminders and made some charts and both my husband and I try to have some 'checks and balances' to be sure we don't miss something, etc. It's alot to remember and the timing sometimes is hard. We always feel like we have to plan certain life things around meds. I wonder if there is any other schedule/dosing options that would work so that you can live your life. It sounds like you are doing everything you can, be sure of that. Good luck and keep us posted on little Darcy's results. We'll be thinking of you. melissa and tiggs |
| melissa slc |
| Thank you Melissa. I needed to hear those words of encouragement. Darcy acts okay, wants to eat continually, but pants and breathes heavily at times. Her gums are very pale, so I'm concerned. Will definitely need to have her PCV checked on Monday. Karen |
| Karen NC |
| Hi Karen Hope that Darcy is doing well. My husband and I get up at 4:30 AM, we have been giving Maggie the following dosages each morning with her food.:- Cyclosporine 5 x 100mg = 500mg, Azathioprine 2 x 50mg = 100mg, Famotidine 1 x 20mg, Prednisone 4 x 20mg = 80mg. Due to the infection we give her 500mg of Clavamox which is a antibiotic 2 hours later. I have also been giving Maggie 1 BioPreparation pill sprinkled on her food . At lunch time I have been giving her another BioPrep on another small portion of food. At 5:30PM we give her with her food Famotidine 1 x 20mg, Denamarin 2 x 425mg =850mg (for her liver), another Bioprep sprinkled on her food. 500mg of Clavamox 2 hours later. Then just before bedtime, We give her another Bioprep on a slice of turkey or mixed in with some chicken stock. It is taking quite a toll on her system. She has got very finicky with her food. So she doesn’t like taking the meds. We have tried ways to get the medication into her system; crushing the pills up and adding to her food, piercing the Cyclosporine and putting the liquid on cheese, cake anything. Evan squirting it into her mouth. My vet did check and some of these medications are available in compound, so if it gets to the point where it is difficult and stressful for Darcy to take the medications, you may want to ask your vet for a compound. We had decided that enough is enough. Maggie has been a fighter, but this disease is terrible and she is getting very weak. She had a blood transfusion yesterday. We were hoping that this would give her a boost. Her HCT is 16. It’s the strain on her liver and heart. We also started her on Thyrozine 1.6 mg which is to help with the thyroid or bone marrow, I can’t remember which. She has not eaten much today, and her ability to walk is labored. She is telling us that it is time. Please pray for Maggie. |
| Karon SC |
| Karon, It sounds like you've had more meds to deal with administering than I have. I'm sorry to hear that Maggie is having such a rough time. I just prayed for you and Maggie and will be praying again later on tonight. God Bless You, Karen |
| Karen NC |
This thread was discussed between 02/10/2008 and 04/10/2008
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