What laboratory result would indicate an adverse effect from the use of cyclosporine (Sand immune) after kidney transplantation?

After kidney transplantation, cyclosporine is commonly used as an immunosuppressant to prevent organ rejection. An adverse effect related to cyclosporine use can be indicated by changes in laboratory results.

One of the most concerning effects of cyclosporine is its potential to impact kidney function, leading to what is known as nephrotoxicity. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, waste products that are normally filtered and excreted can build up in the bloodstream, which is reflected in elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN). An elevated BUN level indicates that the kidneys are not effectively filtering waste from the blood, suggesting a possible adverse effect of the medication.

A decreased creatinine level typically indicates improved kidney function and would not point to an adverse effect from the medication. A decreased hemoglobin level suggests anemia, which can occur for various reasons but does not specifically indicate toxicity from cyclosporine. A decreased white blood cell count could be related to the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine, but it does not indicate a direct adverse reaction affecting kidney function.

Thus, an elevated blood urea nitrogen level is a key indicator that may signal a kidney-related adverse effect due to cyclosporine use