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Simulect

basiliximab
Used for Organ Transplant
Used for Organ Transplant

Simulect (basiliximab) is an infusion given in the hospital, typically shortly before and after a kidney transplant to prevent your body from rejecting the new organ. It's given in combination with other medications, such as cyclosporine (Neoral) and corticosteroids, to prevent transplant injection. The most common side effects Simulect (basiliximab) can cause are stomach-related, including stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. And just like other medications that are taken to prevent organ rejection, Simulect (basiliximab) can raise your risk of infections.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 30, 2023
BasicsFAQsInteractionsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Simulect (basiliximab)?

What is Simulect (basiliximab) used for?

  • Prevention of kidney transplant rejection

How Simulect (basiliximab) works

Drug Facts

Common BrandsSimulect
Drug ClassMonoclonal antibody
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
faqs

Frequently asked questions about Simulect (basiliximab)

What is Simulect (basiliximab)?
Simulect (basiliximab) is a medication that's typically given shortly before and a few days after a kidney transplant to prevent rejection of the new kidney. Specifically, it's a type of induction therapy, meaning it's an intense form of immunosuppression that weakens your immune system and prevents your body from launching an attack against the new kidney. Simulect (basiliximab) is injected through the veins by a trained healthcare provider.
What are some side effects of Simulect (basiliximab)?
The most common side effects of Simulect (basiliximab) are stomach issues, including stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other side effects can include fever, infections, swelling of the hands or feet, headache, difficulty sleeping, and high blood pressure. Keep in mind that when you're in the hospital after your transplant, you'll be given a combination medications to prevent rejection. This means that it might be hard to tell whether your side effects are caused by Simulect (basiliximab) or another anti-rejection medication. Tell your transplant provider if you're experiencing a side effect that concerns you.
Do I need to take Simulect (basiliximab) for the rest of my life?
No. Simulect (basiliximab) is typically given as two doses. You'll receive your first dose, given as an infusion over about 30 minutes, on the day of your transplant. Your transplant team will repeat this infusion again a few days after your transplant, before you go home. Even though you only need two doses of Simulect (basiliximab), you'll still need to take other anti-rejection medications by mouth for the rest of your life to prevent your immune system from attacking your transplanted kidney.
What's the difference between Simulect (basiliximab) and Thymoglobulin (anti-thymocyte globulin)?
Both Simulect (basiliximab) and Thymoglobulin (anti-thymocyte globulin) are 2 commonly prescribed induction therapies to prevent organ rejection after kidney transplant. One of the main difference between them is how they impact your immune system. Simulect (basiliximab) is a "non-depleting" medication, meaning it doesn't wipe out your immune cells that are in your system. Thymoglobulin (anti-thymocyte globulin), on the other hand, is a "depleting" medication, meaning it destroys your immune cells (along with some other blood cells in the process). For this reason, Thymoglobulin (anti-thymocyte globulin) affects your immune system a lot more and might raise your risk for certain infections. Your transplant provider will decide which induction therapy is best for you depending on your risk of rejection, the type of organ you receive, your personal medical history, and other factors.
Can Simulect (basiliximab) be used to treat rejection?
No. Simulect (basiliximab) isn't FDA-approved to treat rejection. This medication only to prevents kidney rejection after transplant.
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interactions

Interactions between Simulect (basiliximab) and other drugs

Simulect (basiliximab) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Simulect (basiliximab). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are receiving this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

  • Echinacea
  • Tofacitinib

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References

Best studies we found

Brennan, D. C., et al. (2006). Rabbit antithymocyte globulin versus basiliximab in renal transplantation. The New England Journal of Medicine.

Claeys, E., et al. (2019). Immunosuppressive drugs in organ transplantation to prevent allograft rejection: Mode of action and side effects. Journal of Immunological Sciences.

Kirk, A. D. (2006). Induction immunosuppression. Transplantation.

View All References (3)

Moiceanu, A. D., et al. (2009). Thymoglobulin--new approaches to optimal outcomes. Journal of Medicine and Life.

National Kidney Foundation. (2011). Managing kidney transplant recipients.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2023). SIMULECT- basiliximab injection, powder, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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