07/28/2008Medications for Kidney Transplant Patients

Mohamed El-Ghoroury, MD, FASN

Renal transplant recipients rely on numerous medications to ensure the longevity and overall success of their new kidney.  In this article, I would like to introduce you to some basic facts about the different medications we use in the transplant clinic.

Prograf (tacrolimus) - Astellas Pharma
Prograf is considered the most commonly prescribed drug in our clinic.  It is used to suppress the immune system and prevent rejection of the transplanted organ.  It comes in two different strengths, 1mg tablet (small white), and 5mg tablets (pink colored), always taken twice a day.  The most common side effect is tremors, and the most common drug interaction is with antibiotics like Biaxin. 

CellCept (mycophenolate mefetil) - Roche Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Cellcept is also called MMF, and its usual dose is 2 tablets twice a day.   It also comes in different strengths, 250mg and 500mg.  Its most common side effect is diarrhea and stomach upset.     

Myfortic (micophenolic acid), Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
A recent immunosuppressive drug is called Myfortic.  It is similar to Cellcept in terms of mechanism of action and side effects but comes in different concentrations, 180mg and 360mg Tablets.                                

Cyclosporine
Cyclosporine is one of the oldest of all these drugs.  It  is available in generic formulation that is always OK to use,  as  it saves the patient money.  However, you need to consult the prescribing physician first.  The most common forms of Cyclosporine used are Neoral and Gengrof.  They come in 25mg and 100mg tablets.  The side effects and drug interaction are similar to Prograf.

Rapamune (sirolimus) - Wyeth
Rapamune has been on the market for the past seven years, it comes in two different concentrations in 1 or 2mg tablets taken only once a day.  Its most common side effect is mouth sores.

Imuran (azathioprine)
We also use Imuran, but very rarely.  It is a fairly old drug (more than 30 years old).   It comes in 50mg tablets and we usually use 1-3 tablets, once a day.  It also has a generic preparation which is also fine.  Finally, I would like to remind you that these medications are extremely important to our patients.  They cannot afford to go without them even for a few days.

<< Back to List