Post-Transplant Medication

After your transplant, medications will play an essential role in keeping your new organ working properly and maintaining your general good health.  You will need to take some medications for the rest of your life.  Other medications will be necessary only for a limited time.  From time to time, the amount of medication you take may change, or you may be switched from one medication to another.  The medications that you will be taking are designed to prevent a number of problems:

• Transplant medications (immunosuppressants) to prevent rejection of the kidney
• Medicines to prevent infection
• Medicines to deal with other common problems after kidney problems such as cholesterol and blood pressure tablets

The medication table below explains the common transplant medications that you will need to take after your transplant to help prevent rejection of your new kidney.

Disclaimer: This medication information sheet is provided only as an educational teaching tool for transplant recipients. Always follow the advice and training of your individual transplant team. If in doubt regarding any medications/doses, please contact your transplant or renal team.

Please refer to our guide for patients on Kidney Transplantation for more information 

• DO NOT STOP TAKING TRANSPLANT MEDICATIONS unless directed to do by the transplant doctor.
• KNOW your medicines and keep an up to date list
• CHECK that you are using the right medicine the right way
• ASK your healthcare professional if you’re unsure

WHAT TO DO IF YOU MISS A DOSE?

If you miss a dose of your medication you may still take that dose but if it is 5 hours or longer omit that dose and take your next dose at the normal time. NEVER DOUBLE UP ON A DOSE. Inform medical staff at next appointment.