Basiliximab injection

What is basiliximab injection?
BASILIXIMAB (Simulectreg;) suppresses the body’s natural immune function. It is used in patients receiving organ transplants (such as kidney, heart, or liver transplants) to help prevent organ rejection from the body. Generic basiliximab injections are not yet available.

What should my health care professional know before I receive basiliximab?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•infection
•receiving vaccinations
•an unusual or allergic reaction to basiliximab, mouse proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?
Basiliximab is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital.

What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.

What drug(s) may interact with basiliximab?
•vaccines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving basiliximab?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
•shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
•skin rash, itching, or hives

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•constipation
•difficulty sleeping
•headache
•nausea, vomiting
•pain at the injection site
•stomach upset
•tremor

What should I watch for while taking basiliximab?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You should always carry an identification card that includes your name and your prescriber’s name and address.

If you are going to have surgery within the next 12 months, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have received basiliximab.

Basuliximab will decrease your body’s ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Discuss whether or not you should receive vaccinations with your prescriber or health care professional.

After you stop taking this medication, some side effects can continue and some may not occur until years after the medicine was taken. These effects can include the development of certain types of cancer. Discuss this possibility with your prescriber or health care professional.

Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will only receive this medicine in the hospital.

NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

Drugs & Medications

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

The drug reference included in this section is provided by Cerner Multum, Inc., of Denver, Colorado. Armenian Medical Network receives monthly updates from Multum.