Ichmune C (Cyclosporine 50mg) Capsules for Dogs

Ichmune C general information

What is Ichmune C used for?

Ichmune C capsules 50mg are used to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs, which is a common immune mediated, allergic skin condition with symptoms including red scaly skin causing itching and discomfort.  Signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs include incessant scratching, rubbing and licking of the affected area of skin; also hair loss and bad odour.  Ichmune C capsules 50mg are also used, in conjunction with other medications, to help reduce symptoms of perianal fistulae in dogs, that is thought to be another immune mediated condition characterised by inflammation and ulceration of the region around the anus causing pain and discomfort.  Ichmune C capsules 50mg are suitable for dogs over 6 months old and over 4lb/1.8kg body weight, and can be used for long periods without the symptoms associated with steroid medications.

How does Ichmune C work?

Ichmune C capsules 50mg contain cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant that is used to treat atopic dermatitis and other immune mediated diseases in dogs.  Cyclosporine in Ichmune C capsules 50mg targets specific immune cells involved in the allergic reaction.  It works by blocking the action of T lymphocytes by inhibiting the production of certain inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-2 that is produced in response to antigen activation of T lymphocytes.  Cyclosporine in Ichmune C capsules 50mg also blocks proliferation of these activated T-cells but has no effect on other cells of the immune system.  Cyclosporine in Ichmune C capsules 50mg concentrates in skin and acts locally to relieve symptoms including redness, itching and skin lesions caused by atopic dermatitis in dogs.  

What does Ichmune C contain?

Ichmune C capsules 50mg contain the active ingredient cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant that is used to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs.  They also contain Ferric Oxide Red.

Treating atopic dermatitis in dogs with Ichmune C

Ichmune C capsules 50mg contain the active ingredient cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant that is used to treat atopic dermatitis in dogs.  Atopic dermatitis is a common immune mediated, allergic skin condition with symptoms including red scaly skin causing itching and discomfort.  Signs of atopic dermatitis in dogs include incessant scratching, rubbing and licking of the affected area of skin; also hair loss and bad odour.  Cyclosporine in Ichmune C capsules 50mg works by inhibiting the production of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 2 that is produced in response to antigen activation of T lymphocytes, which are specific immune cells involved in the allergic reaction.  Cyclosporine in Ichmune C capsules 50mg also blocks proliferation of these activated T-cells but has no effect on other cells of the immune system.  Cyclosporine in Ichmune C capsules 50mg concentrates in skin and acts locally to relieve symptoms of including itching, redness and skin lesions caused by atopic dermatitis in dogs and can be used for long periods without the symptoms associated with steroid medications.  

What are the side effects of Ichmune C?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Ichmune C capsules 50mg include vomiting and diarrhoea, which is usually mild and transient.  Other side effects include outer ear infection (otitis externa), persistent urinary tract infection, anorexia, lethargy and gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth).  

When should Ichmune C not be used?

You should not give Ichmune C capsules 50mg to your dog if your dog:

• is allergic to cyclosporine or any ingredients in Ichmune C
• is pregnant or lactating
• has kidney disease
• has a neoplastic or malignant tumour, as Ichmune C may increase susceptibility to neoplasms and also to infection
• is being vaccinated with a live vaccine, as Ichmune C may reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine
• is younger than 6 months of less than 4lb/1.8kg body weight
• is taking medicines that interact with Ichmune C including antifungals like ketoconazole

How should Ichmune C be given?

You should give Ichmune C capsules 50mg to your dog once daily at least one hour before food or two hours after food.  Once the condition has been controlled your veterinary professional may recommend reducing the frequency that you give Ichmune C capsules 50mg to your dog.  The dose you give should be 5 mg/kg based on the body weight of your dog.  You should continue to give Ichmune C capsules 50mg to your dog for as long as recommended by your veterinary professional, which is usually 4 weeks. 

Dose chart

Ichmune C capsules are available in the following doses: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg

You should give Ichmune C capsules to your dog according to the following dosing chart:

• 4-7.9 kg (9-16lb)                  one 25mg capsule
• 8-14.9kg (16-33lb)                one 50mg capsule
• 15-28.9kg (33-64.9lb)           one 100mg capsule
• 29-35.9kg (64-79lb)              one 50mg capsule + one 100mg capsule
• 36-55.9kg (79-121lb)            two one 100mg capsules

How long should you take Ichmune C?

You should continue to give Ichmune C capsules 50mg to your dog for as long as recommended by your veterinary professional, which is usually 4 weeks. 

Missed dose of Ichmune C

If you miss a dose of Ichmune C capsules 50mg give it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to give the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not give a double dose.

How should Ichmune C be stored?

You should store your Ichmune C capsules 50mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.