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Understanding Transplant Medicine
Transplantation is amazing. Through transplantation, hundreds of thousands of people have been able to lead healthier lives. However, our bodies don’t easily accept transplanted organs. To the body, a new organ is “foreign.” In an effort to protect the body from foreign objects, the immune system launches an attack that can result in the organ being rejected. That's why medications are so important for the success of your new organ.
To help your transplant succeed, your doctor will use several different medications to slow down your body's immune system and help protect your transplanted organ. This process is called immunosuppression.
Although your doctor will work to prevent rejection, it can still occur. If you experience a rejection episode, your doctor may decide to treat it with different or additional medications, or simply change the dose of the drug or drugs that you are already taking.
Sometimes medications such as antibiotics (used to prevent or treat infections) or anti-ulcer drugs (used to treat digestive problems) may be necessary. Many other medications may also be used but are not discussed here. Always ask your transplant team any questions you might have about the medicines you are prescribed.
Your biggest responsibility post-transplant is keeping your organ, and yourself, healthy. Proper adherence to your medications is important for your long-term health.
Medications commonly used in transplantation include:
Because some drugs may produce unwanted side effects, it is important that you ask questions and talk freely with your transplant team about how you are feeling.
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