Generic Name: basiliximab (bass il IX im ab)Brand Names: Simulect
Basiliximab lowers your body's immune system. The immune system helps your body fight infections. The immune system can also fight or "reject" a transplanted organ such as a liver or kidney. This is because the immune system treats the new organ as an invader.
Basiliximab is used with other medications to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant.
Basiliximab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Basiliximab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection just before your transplant and again 4 days afterward. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Basiliximab can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor after your transplant.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Avoid receiving a vaccine shortly after you have been treated with basiliximab, unless your doctor has told you to.
There may be other drugs that can affect basiliximab. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Basiliximab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection just before your transplant and again 4 days afterward. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take up to 30 minutes to complete.
Basiliximab can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor after your transplant.
See also: Basiliximab dosage in more detail
Since basiliximab is given while you are in the hospital, it is unlikely that you will miss a dose.
An overdose of basiliximab is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.
Avoid receiving a vaccine shortly after you have been treated with basiliximab, unless your doctor has told you to.
pain or burning when you urinate;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
sleep problems (insomnia);
tremors, shaking; or
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain;
headache;
diarrhea, constipation; or
swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Usual Adult Dose for Organ Transplant -- Rejection Prophylaxis:
For prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in patients receiving renal transplantation (as a part of an immunosuppressive regimen that includes cyclosporine and corticosteroids): 20 mg infused over 20-30 minutes by central or peripheral intravenous administration. The first 20 mg dose should be given within 2 hours prior to transplantation surgery. The recommended second 20 mg dose should be given 4 days after transplantation.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Organ Transplant -- Rejection Prophylaxis:
Greater than or equal to 35 kg: Renal transplantation: 20 mg within 2 hours prior to transplant surgery, followed by a second 20 mg dose 4 days after transplantationLess than or equal to 35 kg: Renal transplantation: 10 mg within 2 hours prior to transplant surgery, followed by a second 10 mg dose 4 days after transplantation
Before receiving basiliximab, tell your doctor if you are using any drugs that weaken your immune system, such as:
chemotherapy or radiation;
steroid medicine;
sirolimus (Rapamune), tacrolimus (Prograf);
efalizumab (Raptiva), muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone);
mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept); or
azathioprine (Imuran), leflunomide (Arava), etanercept (Enbrel).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to receive basiliximab, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect basiliximab. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.