Prednisone is a steroid that helps the body accept the new kidney. This must be taken as long as the kidney is functioning. Dosage is gradually reduced over time.

Common Side Effects:

• Increased risk of infection
• Thrush ( Infection in the mouth )
• High Blood Pressure
• Increased Appetite
• Changes in Appearance
• Acne
• Mood Swings ans Sleep patterns
• Increased risk for Ulcer Disease
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Effects on eyes
• Effect on Bones
• Diabetes
• Night Sweats

CYCLOSPORINE

Cyclosporine is an immunosuppresant which suppresses the immune system and helps the body accept the new kidney.

Common Side Effects:

• Increased Risk of Infection
• Swelling of gums
• Increased Hair Growth
• light Tremor or Shakiness of the Hands
• Increased Potential for Cancer
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Kidney problems

FK506

A newer drug to replace Cyclosporine

MYCOPHENOLATE

Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant which suppresses the immune system and helps the body accept the new kidney. In general,this is given for the first year. After the first year it is changed to Azathioprine.

Common Side Effects:

• Increased Risk of Infection
• Decreased White Blood Cell Count and Red Blood Cell Count
• Increased Potential for Cancer
• Effects on the Stomache

ANTIHYPERTENSIVES
Since predinsone and Cyclosporine can increase blood pressure, Antihypertensive medications are administered to lower the blood pressure.

NIFEDIPINE
Nifedipine works to lower the blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.

Common Side Effects:

• Swelling of Ankles, Feet or Lower Legs
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness
• Effects on the Stomache
• Other, such as Flushing, Fatigue and Headaches

ANTIMICROBIALS
Antimicrobials aid in desroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Because immunosuppressant medications prevent the immune system from fighting viruses, fungi and bacteria that cause infections, it is more likely to get infections and may require antimicrobials to fight them.

Signs of Infection:

• Sore throat
• Fever
• Pain when urinating
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Boils on the skin
• Pain over the kidney
• Not feeling well
• Rash
• Night sweats

CO-TRIMOXAZOLE
Co-trimoxazole is an antibiotic that prevents certain bacterial infections.

Common Side Effects:

• Increased Sensitivity to the Sun
• Itching or Skin Rash
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Loss of Appetite
• Vomiting

NYSTATIN
Nystatin is a medication used to prevent thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth and throat.

Common Side Effects:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach Pain

INHIBITORS

This is an ACE Inhibitor.

Common Side Effects:

• High Blood Pressure
• Nausea
• Dizziness