After a kidney transplant, you’ll take medications to prevent your body from rejecting your new kidney and to protect your overall health. Taking these medications exactly as prescribed is essential to keeping your transplant working well.
Your medications might include:
Anti-rejection (immunosuppressants)
These lower your immune system’s response to prevent rejection (e.g., Tacrolimus, Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate, Prednisone).
Anti-virals
To prevent infections while your immune system is suppressed.
Other supportive medications
Blood pressure pills, calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and others.
Tips for medication success
Take your medications at the same time every day
Never stop or adjust a dose on your own
Tell us if you are having trouble with side effects or paying for medications — we can help
Ask for refills at your clinic visit whenever possible
Bring your medications or a medication list to every appointment
Important: Some over-the-counter medications and supplements can interfere with your transplant medications. Always check with the transplant team or pharmacist before taking anything new.
COVID-19 and vaccinations
Because transplant recipients take immunosuppressive medications, you are at higher risk of severe illness from infections like COVID-19.
We encourage all post-transplant patients to follow the most up-to-date recommendations from Ottawa Public Health and your transplant team. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce serious illness, hospitalization and complications.
Public health guidance evolves over time. Please check the latest information from: