Basiliximab, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: immunosuppressant

Generic and brand names: basiliximab, injection; Simulect

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to prevent rejection of transplanted kidneys. It is usually given with other medicines.

It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• cancer
• treatment with basiliximab (Simulect) before

Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control while you are being treated with this medicine and for 4 months after you complete treatment. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.

How do I use it?

This medicine is given under the supervision of a healthcare provider who is experienced in organ transplants. It is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein). You will receive a dose before and after transplant surgery.

What should I watch out for?

You need frequent blood tests to check how this medicine is affecting you. Keep all appointments for tests.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

This medicine may affect your gums. Ask your healthcare provider about care of your gums and teeth.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat), irregular or very fast heartbeat.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, chills, cough, swelling of your arms or legs, blood in the stools, white patches in your mouth or throat.

Other: Stomach upset or pain, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, coughing, acne, shakiness, nervousness, increased blood pressure, painful urination, muscle or joint pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant interactions have been reported. However, natural remedies such as echinacea, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, ginseng and gymnema may decrease the effects of basiliximab or cause low blood sugar.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.