You can call (800) 749-7424 ext 5-0254 to make a referral to the kidney transplant program at the Shands Transplant Center at the University of Florida.

After the kidney transplant surgery you will be taking a variety of medicines. Some of these drugs you will only take for a short time and others you will take every day for the rest of your life. The success of your transplant depends on you taking these medicines, understanding how they work, and what side effects to expect.

You are responsible for taking the medications that have been prescribed for you. It is important to talk to your physicians about the medications you will be taking.

Find out:

• Name and purpose of each medication
• When to take each medication
• How to take each medication
• How long to continue taking each medication
• Side effects
• What to do if you forget to take a dose
• When to order more medication
• How to obtain your medication
• What you should avoid when taking the medications

Continue taking the medicines as directed by your physician after you are released from hospital. It is important to control your immune system with antirejection medications. If your immune system recognizes your new kidney as foreign, it will try to reject it.

Some medications must be taken for the rest of your transplanted kidney's life.

Storing your medications

Keep medications in the original container, tightly capped. If you use a special container to hold your pills, keep the container tightly sealed.

Use the following storage tips:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Don't store medications in the bathroom-moisture can cause them to lose their strength
• Don't allow liquid medications to freeze
• Don't store medications in the refrigerator unless your doctor or pharmacist advises you to do so
• Keep all medications away from children

Before you take your medications
Ask your nurse, transplant coordinator or pharmacist to help you choose the best times to take your medications. Try to take each medication at the same time every day. Follow a written schedule. Do no cut or crush a tablet unless you are advised to do so.

Notify your transplant coordinator if you:

• Can't take your medicines by mouth because of illness
• Have a long illness (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Think the directions on the label may be different from what you were told
• Have trouble removing child-resistant caps
• Have a reason to take aspirin, Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil (ibuprofen), other pain relievers, cold remedies or diet pills
• Feel you are having a reaction to your medications
• Have a change in health or eating habits
• Have a new prescription from your local doctor or a change in a current prescription
• Experience any unusual symptoms or side effects

Statistics
Success rate and various other statistics regarding the Shands Transplant Center at UF are available from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients at ustransplant.org.

Transplant Navigation

Heart and Lung Transplant

Heart Transplant

Kidney Transplant

Liver Transplant

Lung Transplant

Pancreas Transplant

Kidney Transplant Navigation

Discharge after transplantation

Donors

Evaluation

Facts

Glossary

Kidney Transplant

Medication

Recovery

Referral

Surgery

Make an Appointment

To make an appointment or find out more information about transplant services offered at Shands at the University of Florida, please call 352.265.8000 or toll-free 1.800.749.7424

You may also email our Consultation Center (consult@shands.ufl.edu) or use our secure online form.