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Immuno- suppressant.

Treatment before, during and after a transplant includes medications that suppress your immune system. These medications are designed to help prevent rejection while providing enough immunity to protect you from severe infections.1

The exact medications your doctor prescribes will depend on many factors, including the type of transplant and your overall state of health. There are three main approaches to immunosuppressant therapy:

  • Induction immunosuppression
  • Maintenance immunosuppression
  • Anti-rejection immunosuppression

Induction immunosuppression includes medications that are given immediately after transplant surgery to prevent acute rejection within the first 30 days. You may continue taking some of the medications prescribed in this stage, but in lower maintenance doses. Examples of these medications are:

  • Methylprednisolone
  • Atgam®
  • Thymoglobulin®
  • OKT3
  • Basiliximab

Maintenance immunosuppression includes the medications you will take long term. Your doctor may make changes to the specific medications or doses prescribed, but these medications are generally taken for your entire lifetime. Examples include:

  • Prednisone
  • Cyclosporine
  • Tacrolimus
  • Mycophenolate Mofetil
  • Azathioprine
  • Rapamycin

Anti-rejection immunosuppression includes the medications used to treat episodes of acute rejection. They are typically taken for a specific follow-up period after the initial episode. Your doctor will decide how long you should take these medications, but treatment typically continues for 30 days. Examples include:

  • Methylprednisolone
  • Atgam®
  • OKT3
  • Thymoglobulin®
  • Basiliximab

Your daily medication regimen may be complex, with many medications that must be taken exactly as prescribed. But it’s important to stay on track to protect your transplanted organ and your health.

If you have any questions about your medication, talk to your doctor or your CVS Specialty CareTeam.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. CVS Specialty assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content.

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1United Network for Organ Sharing Website, www.transplantliving.org. Accessed December 5, 2018.