Information for the public
Basiliximab (Simulect), immediate-release tacrolimus (Adoport, Capexion, Modigraf, Prograf, Tacni, Vivadex) and mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept and non-branded versions) are available on the NHS. They are recommended as possible treatments for preventing kidney rejection in adults who have had a kidney transplant, when started around the time of the transplant.
It wasn’t possible to make recommendations about which treatments to use if the treatment started around the time of transplant isn’t suitable or needs to be changed (for example, if it isn’t working or the person cannot tolerate it) or if a person has another transplant.
Rabbit anti-human thymocyte immunoglobulin (Thymoglobuline), prolonged-release tacrolimus (Advagraf, Envarsus), mycophenolate sodium (Myfortic, Ceptava), sirolimus (Rapamune), everolimus (Certican) and belatacept (Nulojix) are not normally available on the NHS for preventing kidney rejection in adults. Your doctor should talk with you about other treatment options. If you are already taking one of these treatments, you should be able to continue until you and your doctor decide when best to stop.
Is this treatment right for me?
Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Questions to think about
- How well does it work compared with other treatments?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
- What happens if the treatment does not work?
- What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?
Information and support
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
- Kidney Care UK, 01420 541 424
- Kidney Research UK, 0300 303 1100
- National Kidney Federation, 0845 601 0209
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-1702-0
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