Basiliximab is an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ. It is typically used with other drugs after a kidney transplant.
- Pronunciation
- Precautions
- How basiliximab works
- Taking basiliximab
- Common side effects
- Dangerous side effects
- Basiliximab and pregnancy
- Drug interactions
- Brand names
Pronunciation
Ba sil ik si mab
Precautions
If you can, avoid contact with people with colds or other infections.
It is important to maintain good dental hygiene and see a dentist regularly for teeth cleaning.
How basiliximab works
Basiliximab binds and blocks the interleukin-2 receptor chain on the surface of activate T-lymphocytes.
Taking basiliximab
Basiliximab is administered by injection only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.
Common side effects
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- Acne
- Constipation
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
- Excessive hair growth
- Muscle or joint pain
Dangerous side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- Abdominal or back pain
- Abnormal vision
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Bleeding
- Blood in the stool
- Bruising
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Loss of energy or weakness
- Numbness or pain in the legs
- Pain during urination or decreased urination
- Shortness of breath
- Skin rash
- Sore throat, fever and/or chills
- Sores in the mouth
- “Stocking and gloves” sensation of the hands or feet
- Swelling of the ankles, body, face, feet or lower legs
- Tender, or enlarged gums
- Trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
- Vomiting
- White patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue
Basiliximab and pregnancy
Although basiliximab has not been studied in pregnant women, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy because it may cause birth defects. Therefore, it is very important that an effective form of birth control be used before starting basiliximab therapy, during basiliximab therapy, and for 2 months after basiliximab therapy has stopped.
It is not known whether basiliximab passes into human breast milk. However, because this medicine may cause serious side effects, breastfeeding is not recommended while you are receiving it.
Drug interactions
In clinical trials, basiliximab does not appear to interact with other common transplant medicines. However, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, so you can be warned of interactions and prevent them.
Brand names
Simulect, manufactured by Novartis
Reference and Publication Information
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