Rejection is the body's normal response to tissue that is not its own. In other words, the body tries to reject the transplanted kidney. For this reason, the patient must take medications to try and prevent rejection from occurring. Taking the prescribed medications reduces the risk of rejection, but makes the transplant recipient more susceptible to infection. Infection is always a concern to the transplanted patient.
Careful monitoring is important for quick detection and treatment.
The primary medications that are currently prescribed to transplant patients include cyclosporine , imuran and prednisone . Imuran works similarly, but attacks several different types of white blood cells. Imuran is also a drug that has been in use for many years and is not prescribed as much today as it was 10-20 years ago. Prednisone is a cortisone-like medication that is taken for several reasons. If you have more questions about transplantation medicines, contact us or talk to your physician.