Transplant Surgery

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Transplant Medications 
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Important Things to Know About Your Transplant Medications

• For as long as you have a functioning transplanted kidney, you will need to take medications to prevent rejection. 
• Noncompliance (not taking your medications) is the most common reason for transplant rejection.  Try never to miss even one dose of your transplant medications. If you miss a dose of your medicine, take it as soon as possible.
• It is very important to note that doses of your medications may change very often.  This is especially true right after the transplant.  You need to be dedicated to keeping a list of your current medications and doses and bring it with you to all clinic visits.
• Because doses change so often, sometimes the doses listed on the prescription bottle may be incorrect.
• If you are ever confused about the dose of your medications, call a member of the transplant team for clarification.
• Try to establish a medication schedule (i.e. try to take the medications the same time everyday).  This will help to maintain a consistent level of the medications in your body and could help prevent rejection.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, notify a member of your transplant team and return to your regular schedule.
• Never “double-up” on your medications.
•  All medications prescribed by your transplant team play an important role in keeping you healthy. 
• Along with their benefits, however, many of these medications can have several side effects and drug interactions.
• The side effects can be managed, but it is important that you notify the transplant team about any troubling side effects as soon as possible.
• Do not make changes in your own transplant medications to help prevent side effects; this can lead to rejection or toxicities.
• Many of the transplant medications have several drug interactions.  Please check with a member of your transplant team when starting a new prescription or over-the-counter medication, as these drugs may impact your transplant medications.

Induction Therapy

• Induction therapy is the use of very potent medications at the time of transplant.  These medications are given intravenously during and immediately following the transplant procedure. 
• In most cases, patients only require a few doses (2 – 5) of induction therapy medications.  All doses are given in the hospital and are discontinued prior to you going home.
• Induction therapy is used to produce very rapid immunosuppression that can last for 3 to 4 weeks after the medications are stopped. 
• The two most common medications used for induction therapy are Thymoglobulin (generic name:  anti-thymocyte globulin) and Simulect (generic name:  basiliximab).
• The most common side effects with induction therapy are flu-like symptoms after the infusion and a reduction in your white blood cell count.
• Your transplant team will decide which induction therapy agent is right for you.

Maintenance Therapy

• Maintenance therapy is the use of oral medications daily to suppress your immune system and help prevent rejection.
• Most patients will require 2 to 3 maintenance medications to help suppress their immune system.
• The most common maintenance medications  that we use are Prograf (generic name:  tacrolimus), CellCept (generic name:  mycophenolate mofetil) and Prednisone. 
• Some patients are able to get off Prednisone after 5 to 7 days.  This is not possible in all transplant patients.
• Your transplant team will decide which maintenance medications are best for you.

Disclaimer:

This site is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice, and should not be used to make a diagnosis or to replace or overrule a qualified health care provider's judgment. Nor should users rely upon the BWH web site if they might need emergency medical treatment. We strongly encourage users to consult with a qualified health care professional for answers to personal questions.