💊Transplant Medication

After a liver, kidney or pancreas transplant, you will be taking medications to prevent rejection of your new organ and to fight infection. Preventing organ rejection and fighting infection is a delicate balance that requires close attention and care for the rest of your life.

How can we prevent rejection?

Rejection occurs when the body’s immune system recognizes the new organ as an invading threat. Medications that help prevent the immune system from damaging the new organ are called immunosuppressants.

Immunosuppressants are drugs that block the immune system from attacking the new organ; however, these medications also block the immune system from fighting real threats like viruses, bacteria and fungi. You will be prescribed medications to help prevent infection after transplant, but generally these will only need to be taken for 3-6 months until your immune system is strong enough to defend itself against infection.

After your transplant, you will be given clear instructions on when and how to take your medicines. This information will be reviewed with you while you are in the hospital and each time you come to the clinic until you are comfortable with how and when to take your medication. The dosage of the medications you are taking will be customized for you and will likely decrease or stop over time (as determined by your doctor).

A variety of other medications may be prescribed to you based on your specific health needs. These can include medication for high blood pressure, ulcer prevention, pain or high blood sugar. Some of these medications may be needed to balance out the side effects of the medications used for preventing rejection and infection.

Patient Resources

1- Patients and families are encouraged to attend free classes and support groups to learn more about organ transplants, organ donation and long-term wellness.

2 - Social workers can help you learn about and apply for assistance programs such as food assistance and transportation.

3 - There are nonprofit and government programs that help with medication costs associated with organ transplants.

4 - And now you can count with transplant coin v3 too ❤️