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The most important step in maintaining your health after your transplant is to take your medications exactly as prescribed. These drugs help prevent rejection and infection, and must be taken for the rest of your life.
Click here to view a video about your medications.
What will I need to know about taking my medications? Will the drugs I’m taking cause any side effects? Does it really matter if I miss a dose? What if I forget to take my medications at the scheduled time? Dose changes Other medications Can I get financial assistance to help pay my medication expenses? Will any new medications be available? General Medication Guidelines Questions to Ask about your Medication What will I need to know about taking my medications? Before any medication is prescribed, your physician will ask you:
The type of medications, the dosage and side effects may be different for each patient. While you are in the hospital, the Lung Transplant Team will teach you about your medications and give you information sheets describing each drug and how to take it. Before you go home, the Transplant Team will make sure that you know:
Your family members are also encouraged to learn about your medications.
Will the drugs I’m taking cause any side effects? Some of the drugs you are prescribed may cause unwanted side effects such as weight gain, acne or excess hair growth. Despite these side effects, never change the dose or stop taking your medications without first checking with your physician.
Many of the side effects can be controlled. Your doctor may adjust your dosage or offer other suggestions for managing the side effects. Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory so your response to the drug can be monitored.
The individual drug information sheets contained in this notebook describe the common side effects of each drug and how to manage them.
Call your doctor or transplant coordinator if you become sick and vomit soon after taking your medication. Do not take a second dose without first talking to your health care provider. If you have diarrhea for more than one day, call your doctor or transplant coordinator. Also call if you have any other symptoms that are persistent or severe.
Does it really matter if I miss a dose? Yes. It is very important to always follow the instructions for your medications every day to prevent rejection. The third major cause of transplant failure results from not taking anti-rejection medications as prescribed.
What if I forget to take my medications at the scheduled time? If you miss a dose of your medication at the scheduled time, don’t panic. Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular medication schedule.
As you begin to feel well, it may be easy to forget to take your medications, but always remember that your body never stops requiring the transplant medications. By taking your medications consistently and following-up with your physician routinely, you are assuming the most important job after your transplant.
Dose changes Your physician will periodically change the dose of your medications. The dose may be changed because you are having uncomfortable side effects or because blood test results indicate a different dose is needed.
You will receive a medication dosage record to write down your medications and dosages. Every time your physician tells you to change the dose of your medication, cross out the previous dose and write in the new dose. (Use ink, not pencil, and do not erase previous information so you have a record of your earlier doses.) Remember, never change the dose of your medication unless your physician has told you to.
Other medications Never take other medications without first talking to your physician. This includes over-the-counter drugs (those you can buy without a prescription). Some over-the-counter drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin), vitamins, cold medicine, antihistamines, antacids, laxatives and sleeping pills. Some over-the-counter medications may decrease the effectiveness of your transplant medications and can cause unwanted side effects.
Can I get financial assistance to help pay my medication expenses? Yes. Your health care providers realize your medications are expensive, especially since you must take them for the rest of your life. There are several government and state programs that offer financial assistance for medication expenses.
Please ask your health care provider what programs are available for you. You also can ask to see a financial counselor who can answer questions about insurance coverage and Medicare benefits related to your medication expenses.
Will any new medications be available? Exciting developments in drug research are creating new immunosuppressive medications. The Cleveland Clinic Lung Transplant Program participates in new drug studies on a continuous basis. You may be asked to take part in one of these programs after your transplant. All programs are strictly voluntary and have no influence on your transplant status.
General Medical Guidelines Note: These are general guidelines. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidelines specific to your medication.
Questions to Ask about your Medication Be sure you know the answers to these questions before you start taking any new medication:
For More Information If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 216.444.8282. We will be happy to answer your questions.
