basiliximab

Pronunciation:	bass il IX im ab
Brand:	Simulect

What is the most important information I should know about basiliximab?

Basiliximab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection just before your transplant and again 4 days afterward. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 30 minutes to complete.

Basiliximab can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor after your transplant.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid receiving a vaccine shortly after you have been treated with basiliximab, unless your doctor has told you to.

There may be other drugs that can affect basiliximab. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What is basiliximab?

Basiliximab lowers your body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight infections. The immune system can also fight or "reject" a transplanted organ such as a liver or kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader.

Basiliximab is used with other medications to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant.

Basiliximab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking basiliximab?

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether basiliximab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take basiliximab?

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since basiliximab is given while you are in the hospital, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of basiliximab is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking basiliximab?

Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.

Avoid receiving a vaccine shortly after you have been treated with basiliximab, unless your doctor has told you to.

What are the possible side effects of basiliximab?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

pain or burning when you urinate;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
sleep problems (insomnia);
tremors, shaking; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain;
headache;
diarrhea, constipation; or
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect basiliximab?

Before receiving basiliximab, tell your doctor if you are using any drugs that weaken your immune system, such as:

chemotherapy or radiation;
steroid medicine;
sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf);
efalizumab (Raptiva), muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone);
mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept); or
azathioprine (Imuran), leflunomide (Arava), etanercept (Enbrel).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to receive basiliximab, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect basiliximab. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about basiliximab written for health professionals that you may read.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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