Multi-Organ Transplant

Transplant Pharmacy - Managing Your Medications

Why is it important to take my transplant medications?

The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism against foreign invaders. Foreign matter can include such things as bacteria, viruses or foreign tissue cells. The bone marrow produces different types of white blood cells that control and carry out most of the immune responses.

Your transplanted organ is viewed as an invading protein, just like a virus or bacteria and can come under attack by your immune system. This process is known as rejection and is a normal response of your body. While a rejection does not mean failure of the transplant, it can interfere with the normal function of your new organ. It is very important to try to prevent rejection through the use of medications that suppress your immune system.

Immunosuppressive drugs are used to reduce the activity of your immune system in order to protect your new organ from rejection. These medications fool the body’s normal immune response and help to prolong the amount of time the transplanted organ stays healthy and functioning. It is very important that you take these medications exactly as directed by your transplant team. Most patients will be prescribed a combination of two or three of the following medications:

Cyclosporine (Neoral^®)
Tacrolimus (Prograf^® or Advagraf^®)
Prednisone
Azathioprine (Imuran^®)
Mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept^®)
Mycophenolate sodium (Myfortic^®)
Sirolimus (Rapamune^®)

While you are taking these medications your immune system will be suppressed so your body will be less able to fight off infection. You will also be prescribed additional medications to help protect you against developing certain types of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

It is important to realize that side effects from medications are to be expected, especially right after your transplant. This is the time when your body is adjusting to the new organ as well as many new medications. Since each person responds differently to their medications, it normally takes some time for your transplant team to determine the best doses of these medications for you.

During the initial period after transplant surgery, it is normal for you to:

be tired
be confused or disoriented
have difficulty concentrating
have difficulty sleeping

Your transplant team knows to expect these side effects, and they are trained to manage them. It is most important to know that these symptoms are temporary and should be improving by the time you are ready to leave the hospital. Simple changes in medication or routine are usually all that are needed to deal with these side effects. Sometimes, other medications are added to counteract these side effects. It is important to remember never to stop or change the way you are taking any of your medications without consulting your transplant team. Your transplant team is ready to listen and to help if you or your family has concerns about your symptoms. If you have any new symptoms such as confusion or disorientation once you return home you should report them to your transplant team.

To learn more about your transplant medications please go to the <../TMITT/Index.asp">Transplant Medication Information Teaching Tool link on this website and click on the course links on the left side of the page.

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