cyclosporine or tacrolimus

Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are both immunosuppressive drugs primarily used to prevent organ rejection in solid organ transplantation (kidney, liver, heart) and to treat certain severe autoimmune diseases. Both drugs act as calcineurin inhibitors but differ in their chemical structure. They suppress the immune response by inhibiting the activity of calcineurin phosphatase in T cells—this blocks the transcription of interleukin-2 and other cytokines critical for T-cell activation. Tacrolimus is generally associated with a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile and better long-term renal function compared to cyclosporine[1][8]. Both agents are also used off-label for various autoimmune conditions such as atopic dermatitis (topical formulations), rheumatoid arthritis (cyclosporine), and others[4][7][8].

Brand names

SandimmuneNeoralGengrafPrografAstagraf XLEnvarsus XR

Other names

cyclosp/orin ACsAFK506FK-506FK 506