Cyclosporine-induced anaphylaxis

To describe a case of an anaphylactic reaction after first ingestion of oral cyclosporine capsules (Neoral).

A 73-year-old white woman was admitted for the treatment of metastatic breast carcinoma with an experimental oral paclitaxel solution in combination with cyclosporine capsules. After ingestion of the cyclosporine capsules, the patient collapsed within one hour. She initially experienced severe hypotension and bradycardia. After a few minutes, she developed severe tachycardia, dyspnea, and decreased consciousness. Administration of epinephrine, dexamethasone, clemastine, oxygen, and gelofusine (succinylated gelatin 4% in NaCl 0.9%) infusion resulted in complete recovery after several hours. The planned oral paclitaxel administration was canceled. Intravenous paclitaxel was given the next day, preceded by standard premedication with dexamethasone, clemastine, and cimetidine, without complications.

To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature of an anaphylactic reaction after oral ingestion of cyclosporine capsules. Earlier reports of anaphylaxis concerned intravenous cyclosporine or oral solutions of cyclosporine (both Sandimmune). These anaphylactic reactions were considered to be due to the pharmaceutical vehicle Cremophor EL or related substances, which are well-known causes of anaphylaxis. The capsules used in this case contain the Cremophor EL-related polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil as a base; our patient's anaphylactic shock may have been due to this substance.

In addition to earlier reports about anaphylactic reactions after administration of an intravenous or oral solution of cyclosporine, this case shows that anaphylactic shock can occur after ingestion of cyclosporine capsules.