Medication after a pancreas transplant

You can call (352) 265-0254 or (800) 749-7424 ext 5-0254 to make a referral to the pancreas transplant program at the Shands Transplant Center at the University of Florida.

You are responsible for taking the medications that have been prescribed for you. You will be instructed to learn:

The name and purpose of each medication
When to take each medication
How long to take each medication
Main side effects of each medication
What to do if you forget to take a dose
When to order more medication so you do not run out
How to get your medication
What you should avoid (such as drinking alcohol or driving) while you are taking medication

At home you will continue taking the medications you began taking in the hospital after your surgery. Your immune system recognizes your new pancreas as foreign and will try to reject it. Therefore, your immune system must be controlled with antirejection medications. You will have to take the transplant medications for the rest of your transplanted organ's life.

Never stop taking your medications or change the dosage without your transplant team's approval. There is always the risk of your losing the new pancreas.

Before taking medication
Ask a transplant nurse, 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 not crush or cut a tablet unless you are advised to do so.

Notify your transplant coordinator if you:

Cannot take your medications by mouth because of illness
Have a long illness (nausea, vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours)
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, Advil (ibuprofen), other pain relievers, cold remedies or diet pills
Feel you are having a reaction to your medications
Have had 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, since they may be related to the medications you are taking

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.

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Diet after a pancreas transplant

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Frequently asked questions

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.