Medication Guidelines for Transplant Patients

 

1.    Store all of your medicines at room temperature.  Be sure the lid is on tight.  Also, keep all medicine out of sight and reach of children and pets.

 

2.    Throw away expired medicines.

 

3.    Never share your medicines with others.

 

4.    Take the medicines prescribed by your doctor.  If you or your local doctor feel that you need something else and are unsure if it is safe to take with your transplant medicines, check with your transplant coordinator first.

 

5.    Wearing a medical alert bracelet for your transplant medicines is recommended.  In case of an emergency, this would tell doctors that you are taking these medicines.

 

6.    Be careful not to run out of medicine.  Keep all medicines in the containers they come in.  Refill your prescriptions before they are too low.  Make sure you have enough between clinic visits and over weekends, holidays, or vacation.

 

7.    When you pick up a medicine from the pharmacy, make sure the name and dose match what the doctor or transplant coordinator told you.  If a refill medicine looks different, be sure to tell your pharmacist.

 

8.    Never increase or decrease dose without instructions.

 

9.    Keep and up-to-date list of your current medicines.  Bring this list to all hospital and clinic visits.  Make sure your pharmacy has a copy.

 

10.   If you become pregnant while taking these medicines, contact your doctor right away.

 

11.   Your doctor will want to carefully check the way your body responds to your medicine.  Be sure to keep all your appointments for check-ups and blood tests.

 

12.   When you travel, take extra medicine with you.  Keep medicines in your carry-on luggage to prevent it from getting lost.

 

13.   If you need to come to the hospital, bring all of your medicines with you.

 

14.   It is important that you:

 

• Take your medicines on time each day.
• Know WHAT, WHY, and HOW MUCH medicine you take.
• Know the brand and generic names of your medicines
• Know the side effects of your medicines.
• Never start a medicine (over-the-counter medicine or herbal/natural supplement) if you or your doctor are unsure if it is safe to take with your transplant medicines.
• Never stop your transplant medicines unless you have checked with the transplant coordinator first.

 

15.   If you have any questions about your medicine, contact the transplant team at (608) 263-7229.

 

Tips for remember to take your medicines:

 

1.    Keep your medicines on or near something that is already part of you daily routine, such as the breakfast table, night table, your toothbrush, etc.

 

2.    Use a pill box or other system to help keep track of your medicines.

 

3.    Right after taking your medicine, mark it off your schedule sheet.

 

4.    Carry a day’s supply of medicine with you in a pill container labeled for the appropriate times you take your medicines.  You can fill it each morning when you take your first morning medicines.

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 07/07/2009

Copyright © 03/04/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4952

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