To keep a transplanted organ healthy and functional requires a great deal of care and, in most cases, a complicated regimen of anti-rejection and other drugs. Although specific medications or doses may change, it is likely that a transplant recipient will take these drugs for the rest of his or her life.

When an organ is transplanted, the patient’s immune system recognizes, becomes sensitized against and attacks the foreign antigens in the donor organ. Some rejection occurs with almost all transplants, but the severity of it varies from patient to patient. Signs and symptoms of rejection don’t necessarily mean the transplant will fail.

There are two types of rejection: acute and chronic. Acute rejection, the body’s attempt to destroy the organ, is common within the first year after transplant. Chronic rejection can occur weeks, months or years after the transplant and is characterized by a gradual loss of organ function.

Common symptoms include:

•Pain or tenderness over the transplant site

•Fever

•Flu-like symptoms such as chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, headache, dizziness and body aches and pains

•Change in pulse rate

•Weight gain

•Swelling

Transplant patients who experience any of these symptoms should contact their physician immediately.

Anti-rejection medications, or immunosupressants, suppress the immune system to keep it from attacking the transplanted organ. There are three phases of immunosuppressant therapy: induction (immediately after the transplant), maintenance and anti-rejection (when acute rejection occurs).

These specialized transplant drugs have significant side effects that can include acne, unwanted hair growth, gum overgrowth, nausea and vomiting, weight gain and difficulty sleeping. Combined with a complex dosing regimen, these side effects can make adhering to therapy difficult. PharmaCare Specialty Pharmacy provides not only the medications transplant patients need, but compassionate support, one-on-one education and assistance with side effect management as well.

First published May 9, 2008
Copyright © 2008 Consumer Health Interactive

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