Medications

You can call (352) 265-8940 to make a referral the to lung transplant program at the Shands Transplant Center at the University of Florida. After the lung 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.

Tips
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 lung as foreign, it will try to reject it.

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

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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

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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.

Information
For more information about the Shands Transplant Center Lung Transplant Program, please call (352) 265-8940.

Related Links
CHF Patients

Transplant Navigation

Heart and Lung Transplant

Lung Transplant Navigation

Diseases of the lungs

Pediatric lung transplant

Process

Recovery

Referral

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.