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Once you have received a transplant you will need to take medications for the rest of your life. These medications include anti-rejection medications as well as medications to prevent or treat infections.
Here are some of the more common drugs used as well as the possible side effects they may impose.
Prednisone brand name Deltasone Prednisone is a steroid used after transplantation to prevent rejection or to treat a rejection. Possible side effects for this medication may include: Acne, mood swings, high blood pressure, bone disease, swelling of the face or feet, high blood sugar, glaucoma and cataracts, and mood swings. Prednisone is sometimes needed by a patient for the life of the transplant, others may be able to be taken off of it slowly. Never discontinue the use of prednisone without talking to your doctor. Prednisone if it is to be discontinued, should be done gradually. Prednisone comes in tablet form and should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. Try to take your dosage at the same time each day.
Tacrolimus brand name Prograf Prograf is used to prevent or treat rejection in transplant patients. Possible side effects for Prograf may include: Nausea, headaches, diarrhea, tremor, sleep disturbances, hair loss, numbness or tingling in feet or hands. You may need to be on this medication for the rest of your life. Prograf comes in capsule form and is usually taken in conjunction with other transplant medications such as Prednisone. Prograf may be taken either one hour before meals or 2 hours after meals. Check with your doctor before taking any over the counter medications as many of them may interact with Prograf.
Cyclosporine brand names Neoral and Sandimune Cyclosporine is used to prevent rejection. Side effects may include: Headaches, acne, excess hair growth, tremors, sleep disturbances, swollen gums, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney problems, tingling in hands or feet. Cyclosporine is available in capsule and liquid form. Take your dosage at the same time each day. You may need to be on this medication for the remainder of your life. Cyclosporine is usually taken with other transplant medication such as Prednisone or Azathioprine. Check with your doctor before using over the counter medications, which may interact with Cyclosporine.
Azathioprine brand name Imuran Given with other transplant medications, Azathioprine is used to prevent rejection of your transplant.
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