What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Cyclosporine and mefenamic acid
Mefenamic acid's FDA label of April 20, 2026 names cyclosporine in its drug interactions section; cyclosporine's label does not name mefenamic acid itself but warns about its class (NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)). The mefenamic acid label: “Concomitant use of mefenamic acid and cyclosporine may increase cyclosporine's nephrotoxicity.”
Check it at the source: the cyclosporine FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 10, 2026, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation); the mefenamic acid FDA label on DailyMed (effective April 20, 2026, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).
What does the cyclosporine label say about mefenamic acid?
Cyclosporine's label does not name mefenamic acid itself; it warns about its class (NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)):
Cyclosporine label, drug interactionsIn addition, concomitant use of NSAIDs with cyclosporine, particularly in the setting of dehydration, may potentiate renal dysfunction.
Cyclosporine label, drug interactionsCyclosporine may reduce the clearance of digoxin, colchicine, prednisolone, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), aliskiren, bosentan, dabigatran, repaglinide, NSAIDs, sirolimus, etoposide, and other drugs.
Source: FDA drug label (Neoral), Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, effective August 10, 2026 (SPL set 94461af3-11f1-4670-95d4-2965b9538ae3), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the mefenamic acid label say about cyclosporine?
Mefenamic acid label, drug interactionsClinical Impact: Concomitant use of mefenamic acid and cyclosporine may increase cyclosporine's nephrotoxicity. Intervention: During concomitant use of mefenamic acid and cyclosporine, monitor patients for signs of worsening renal function. NSAIDs and Salicylates
Source: FDA drug label (Mefenamic Acid), Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., effective April 20, 2026 (SPL set d15733a9-d5fd-4d5f-86ce-e7ed8c706c7f), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Cyclosporine | Mefenamic acid | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Organ transplant rejection, Rheumatoid arthritis | Pain |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | $1.04 per unit 0.05% eye emulsion | $0.948 per capsule 250 mg capsule |
| Shortage now | No current entry | No current entry |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once