Simulect

Generic name: Basiliximab
Drug class: Interleukin inhibitors

Usage of Simulect

Simulect is used with other medications to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant. This medicine weakens your immune system to prevent your body from "rejecting" the transplanted kidney.

Simulect may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Simulect side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching; feeling like you might pass out; sneezing, wheezing, difficult breathing; fast heartbeats; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

An allergic reaction may occur up to 24 hours after a Simulect injection.

Simulect may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

trouble breathing;

pain or burning when you urinate;

joint pain, redness, or stiffness;

a surgical wound that will not heal;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

swelling in your hands or feet;

high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;

low blood potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;

low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or

signs of infection--fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea.

Common side effects of Simulect may include:

stomach pain or upset, nausea, vomiting;

diarrhea, constipation;

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sore throat;

headache;

increased blood pressure;

tremors;

sleep problems (insomnia);

acne; or

swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Simulect

You should not use Simulect if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

cancer;

diabetes;

high cholesterol; or

an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium in your blood);

May harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control while receiving Simulect and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

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How to use Simulect

Simulect is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Simulect must be given slowly over 30 minutes.

Simulect is usually given just before your transplant and again 4 days afterward.

You may get infections or bleed more easily. You will need medical tests.

Warnings

You may get infections or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bleeding or signs of infection (fever, cough, skin sores, painful urination).

What other drugs will affect Simulect

Other drugs may affect Simulect, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.