Simulect

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.

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.

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.

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.