Anti-rejection Medications
- Name of Medication
- Cyclosporine* (Neoral, Gengraf)
- FK506* (Prograf)
- Sirolimus* (Rapamune)
- Mycophenolate* (Cellcept)
- Prednisone*
- Action
- You will be on one of these first three medications depending on your particular situation.
- All of these drugs prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney.
- *These drugs must be taken every day to prevent rejection and loss of the transplant
- Potential Side Effects
- High blood pressure, excessive hair growth, headaches, kidney dysfunction, tremor, overgrowth of gums
- Tremor, headache, diarrhea, nausea, kidney dysfunction, high blood sugar
- Can cause increased cholesterol, lowered platelets/WBC, constipation, headache, joint pain
- Lowered WBC/platelets, diarrhea, hair loss, mouth ulcers
- Mood swings, stomach irritation, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, delayed wound healing, increased appetite, difficulty sleeping, osteoporosis
Anti-ulcer medication
- Name of Medication
Pepcid
- Action
Decreases gastric irritation.
- Potential Side Effects
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
Antibiotic
- Name of Medication
Septra SS (single strength)
- Action
Prevents pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
- Potential Side Effects
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased white blood cells
Anti-fungal
- Name of Medication
Diflucan
- Action
Prevents oral thrush, as well as fungus on ureteral. (The stent is placed during transplant surgery.)
- Potential Side Effects
Headache, nausea, abdominal pain
Anti-viral
- Name of Medication
Valganciclovir
Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Action
Prevents cytomegalovirus (CMV) or herpes (HSV) infections.
- Potential Side Effects
Tiredness, headache, fatigue, decreased white blood cell count, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, swelling of the feet and hands
Other
- Name of Medication
Colace
- Action
Stool softener
- Potential Side Effects
Mild abdominal cramping, diarrhea
- Name of Medication
Niferex
- Action
Iron supplement
- Potential Side Effects
Constipation
- Name of Medication
Aspirin
- Action
Prevents blood clotting.
- Potential Side Effects
Gastric irritation
- Name of Medication
Blood pressure medications
- Action / Potential Side Effects
You will probably need to be on one or more blood pressure medications, especially if you took them prior to your transplant.
- Name of Medication
Various suppliments including Neutra-Phos MaxOx or K-Dur
- Action / Potential Side Effects
We will monitor your electolytes closely after your transplant and order these medications as needed.
For More Information
If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 216.444.6996. We will be happy to answer your questions.