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Basiliximab
Basiliximab is available by prescription and is given to help prevent a kidney transplant rejection. It comes as a powder that is dissolved in fluid and administered as an intravenous (IV) injection or infusion by a healthcare provider. Although this can be an effective medicine, it may not be suitable for some people who are taking certain medications or who have certain medical conditions.
Basiliximab (Simulect®) is a prescription medication approved to prevent the body from rejecting a newly transplanted kidney. It is used in combination with other anti-rejection medications, including cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®) and a corticosteroid.
(Click What Is Basiliximab Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
Just like any medicine, basiliximab may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the drug will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well.
If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects of basiliximab include but are not limited to:
- Constipation
- Abdominal (stomach) pain
- Nausea
- Headache.
(Click Basiliximab Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD