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Multi-Organ Transplant
Transplant Pharmacy - Managing Your Medications
Besides anti-rejection medications, what other medications will I need after my transplant?
There are a number of other supportive medications that may be needed after a transplant. These medications are usually prescribed to prevent or manage possible side effects of the anti-rejection medications.
Antibiotics
Anti-rejection medications work by suppressing your immune system. This decreases your body’s ability to fight infection. Antibiotics are often used to prevent or treat different types of bacterial infections. After a transplant most patients will be prescribed an antibiotic called cotrimoxazole which is used to prevent a particular type of pneumonia called PCP. You are much more susceptible to PCP when your immune system is suppressed. To learn more about cotrimoxazole, please go to the<../TMITT/Index.asp">Transplant Medication Information Teaching Tool link on this website and click on the cotrimoxazole course on the left side of the page.
Anti-Fungal medications
After transplant, an anti-fungal medication will be prescribed to prevent a fungal infection from developing in the mouth or throat. This type of infection is usually referred to as oral thrush and may appear as white spots or patches on your tongue or on the inside of your mouth or throat. The most commonly prescribed anti-fungal medication to prevent oral thrush is called nystatin. Nystatin is a liquid which is swished in your mouth and swallowed four times per day. It is important to use this medication exactly as directed in order for it to be effective. To learn more about nystatin, please go to the <../TMITT/Index.asp">Transplant Medication Information Teaching Tool link on this website and click on the nystatin course on the left side of the page.
Anti-viral medications
Anti-viral medications are used after transplant to both prevent and treat viral infections should they occur. You are more susceptible to viral infections after a transplant when your immune system is suppressed. Common viral illnesses after transplant include infection with the herpes virus or cytomegalovirus (also called CMV). Valganciclovir is an anti-viral medication which may be prescribed for a few months after your transplant to protect you from viral infection. To learn more about valganciclovir, please go to the <../TMITT/Index.asp">Transplant Medication Information Teaching Tool link on this website and click on the valganciclovir course on the left side of the page
Acid-Reducing medications
Acid-reducing medications are often prescribed after transplant to prevent and treat problems caused by excessive stomach acid such as heartburn, acid reflux and stomach ulcers. Acid-reducing medications can also prevent stomach irritation or heartburn which may be caused by certain anti-rejection medications such as prednisone.
Diuretics
Diuretics are also known as water pills and they are often prescribed after a transplant to help reduce leg swelling and fluid retention. Diuretics work by increasing the amount of urine made by the kidneys which helps to rid the body of excess fluids. These medications can also be used to manage high blood pressure.
Cholesterol-lowering medications (“Statins”)
Some anti-rejection medications may increase your cholesterol levels after a transplant. Some patients already have high cholesterol before transplant and these levels become higher after transplant. High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication to help manage this condition. The most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications are called statins, although other medications may be used.
