Basiliximab
Key points
- BASILIXIMAB (Simulectreg;) suppresses the body's natural immune function.
- It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital.
- Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines.
- Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.
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.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
