Basiliximab injection should be given only in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a doctor who is experienced in treating transplant patients and prescribing medications that decrease the activity of the immune system.
Basiliximab injection is used with other medications to prevent immediate transplant rejection (attack of the transplanted organ by the immune system of the person receiving the organ) in people who are receiving kidney transplants. Basiliximab injection is in a class of medications called immunosuppressants. It works by decreasing the activity of the body's immune system so it will not attack the transplanted organ.
Basiliximab injection comes as a powder to be mixed with water and injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical facility. It is usually given as 2 doses. The first dose is usually given 2 hours before the transplant surgery, and the second dose is usually given 4 days after the transplant surgery.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
stomach pain
heartburn
swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
runny nose
headache
shaking of a part of the body that you cannot control
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
pain in the place where you received the injection
hives
rash
itching
sneezing
cough
wheezing
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fast heartbeat
muscle aches
fatigue
lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
weight gain and swelling all over the body
sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection
difficult or painful urination
decreased urination
Basiliximab injection may increase the risk of developing an infection or cancer. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.
Basiliximab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about basiliximab injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 06/15/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.