Post-Transplant Medications

After your transplant, you will want to do everything possible to keep your new kidney healthy. Your own body will know that this new kidney is not part of you and will fight to reject this stranger. Special medications are used to prevent your body from rejecting the transplanted kidney. You will need to take anti-rejection medications every day, and as prescribed, for as long as you have your transplanted kidney.

After you receive your kidney transplant, the transplant doctor will usually prescribe immunosuppressive therapy, consisting of a triple drug regimen including:

• a calcineurin inhibitor
• an adjunctive agent, and
• steroids.

If you or your family have questions about your medications or their side effects, remember your transplant team is there to help. Talk to the pharmacist or the transplant team about your concerns regarding medications. Never stop taking your medications, as missed doses may cause rejection.

Calcineurin inhibitors

These are the primary medications for the prevention of acute rejection. They are used for long-term immunosuppression and require blood level monitoring. Most side effects can be related to the dose and will lessen if the dose is changed.

Adjunctive immunosuppressive agents

These are secondary immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection and may require blood monitoring.

Anti-infection medications

Because you are taking medications to suppress your body's natural immune response, you are at risk for developing infections more easily. You may require antibiotic, anti-fungal or anti-viral medications if you develop an infection.

Anti-ulcer medications

Some of the medications you may be taking can affect your digestive system. Anti-ulcer medications are used to protect the lining of your stomach and digestive tract.