Let's learn simply about the Basiliximab vaccine given after a kidney transplant.

Have you or someone you know had a kidney transplant? It brings new hope to life. But our bodies are very complex. Sometimes, the body recognizes the newly received kidney as a "foreign object" or an "enemy" and starts to fight against it. In medicine, we call this 'organ rejection'. There are special drugs that doctors use to prevent such a situation from happening. Today we are going to talk about one such very important drug, Basiliximab.

What is Basiliximab?

Simply put, Basiliximab is a drug that calms down your body's immune system and stops it from attacking your new kidney. It's like a missile that hits its target. That means it only targets the cells that cause organ rejection without affecting other parts of the immune system. This allows your body to adapt to the new kidney. Simulect is a popular brand name for this drug.

This medication may also be used for other medical reasons, so if you have any questions, talk to your doctor and clarify them.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

It is essential that your doctor is aware of these things before giving you this medicine, as that information will determine the treatment you receive.

• If you currently have an infection: Tell us about any infections you have, such as fever, cold, cough, or sore throat.
• If you have any allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have had any previous allergies to Basiliximab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is a very important point. We will talk about it in more detail in a moment.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: This medicine is not suitable during breastfeeding.

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How can I give you this medicine?

Basiliximab is not a medicine you can take home.

• This is given as an intravenous injection .
• It is given only by a trained health care provider in a hospital or clinic . This vaccine is usually given before and a few days after kidney transplant surgery.

Even for young children, this medicine is given on medical advice in special cases. However, special precautions must be followed.

Since this medicine is given under strict medical supervision, the chances of an overdose are very low. However, if you accidentally take too much of any medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) .

Things to consider when taking medication

Risk of infection

Since this medicine suppresses your immune system to some extent, you may be at a slightly increased risk of developing infections . So you need to be a little careful during this time.

• If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, or pain when urinating, tell your doctor immediately.
• Never go to the pharmacy to buy medicine on your own.
• Try to stay away from people who are sick.

Special awareness for women

If you are a woman, you should be especially careful about this.

• You must use reliable birth control while taking this medication and for 4 months after stopping it.
• This is because if you get pregnant during this time, there is a possibility of serious harm to the baby in the womb.
• If you have any suspicion that you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
• Avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine.

Problems with other medications

Give your doctor a complete list of any other medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements you are taking. Some may interact with this medication.

Especially remember! While taking basiliximab and for a while after stopping it, do not receive any 'live vaccines' , for example, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is important to talk to your doctor before receiving any vaccine.

What side effects might I experience?

Like all medicines, Basiliximab can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. It is important to be aware of these.

If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.