Multi-Organ Transplant

Transplant Pharmacy - Managing Your Medications

Are there any important drug interactions with my transplant medications?

Yes, there are a number of drugs that may interact with your transplant medications. These interactions may increase your risk of side effects or make your transplant medications less effective. Some common interactions include:

Ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®), ASA (aspirin)
These medications may increase your risk of kidney problems, especially if you are taking the anti-rejection medications cyclosporine or tacrolimus. These products may also cause stomach irritation or increase your risk of bleeding and should be avoided. Once daily low-dose “baby” aspirin is safe to take if it is on the advice of your doctor.

Magnesium-containing products (e.g. Maalox^®, Milk of Magnesia^®) or iron supplements
These products may decrease the absorption of certain anti-rejection medications such as mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept^®) or mycophenolate sodium (Myfortic^®) if taken at the same time. If you are taking any products containing magnesium or iron, be sure to space them at least two hours before or after your transplant medications.

Echinacea
Echinacea is an ingredient in many herbal remedies sold over-the-counter at many drug stores and health food stores and is used to prevent colds and flu. Echinacea works by stimulating the immune system. This can counteract the effects of your anti-rejection medications, which are used to suppress the immune system in order to prevent organ rejection. All products containing echinacea should be avoided.

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