Services and Programs

Surgical Departments

Transplant Surgery and Immunosuppressants

Your body protects itself by rejecting anything foreign, such as bacteria or a new organ, through its immune system. After a transplant, the immune system must be held at a low level, or suppressed to prevent rejection of the new organ. This is done by taking medications known as immunosuppressants.

Immunosuppressants are medications that your child MUST take daily for the rest of his or her life. They are powerful medications with many side effects. They must be taken EXACTLY as prescribed to maintain the delicate balance. Taking too little medication will allow your child's immune system to destroy the new organ. However, taking too much medication will alter your child's ability to fight off an infection and will increase the likelihood of side effects. You must never change the dose of these medications without the advice of your child's transplant physician. Too much medication can harm the new organ; too little may lead to rejection.

If you think your child may have missed a dose of immunosuppression, immediately give him a dose and then, make sure the next dose is administered on schedule. NEVER give your child both doses at the same time. To be safe, call and ask your coordinator what to do.

NEVER SKIP A DOSE OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE MEDICATIONS.

Some of these immunosuppressant drugs are: