What is Simulect?
Simulect can be used in conjunction with other medications for the prevention of organ rejection following a renal transplant. This medication weakens the immune system in order to stop your body from "rejecting". This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Simulect.
Side effects of Simulect
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately: hives, skin rash, or itching. You may also feel like you are about to pass out, sneezing and wheezing. A Simulect-induced allergic reaction can occur up to 24 hours after the injection.
Simulect can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Trouble breathing
- Pain or burning after urinating;
- Pain in the joints; redness or stiffness
- A surgical wound that does not heal.
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red patches under the skin
- You may experience swelling in your hands or feet.
- High blood sugar: increased thirst and urination Dry Mouth, Fruity Breath Odour;
- High blood potassium, weakness, nausea, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and loss of mobility
- Low blood potassium: leg cramps, constipation, increased thirst or urination, numbness, tingling or numbness, muscle weakness, or a limp feeling.
- Low red blood cells (anaemia)--pale or sallow skin, fatigue, feeling lightheaded or short-of-breath, cold hands or feet;
- Signs of infection: fever, chills, sore neck, body aches, and unusual fatigue.
Side effects common to Simulect include:
- Stomach pain or upset, nausea, vomiting;
- Diarrhoea, constipation;
- Cold symptoms include a stuffy nose and a sore throat.
- Headache;
- Increased blood pressure
- Tremors;
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- The acne
- Hand, foot, ankle or leg swelling is a symptom of chronic disease or injury and should be addressed as quickly as possible.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
You could get an infection or bleed easily. If you experience unusual bleeding or any signs of infection, such as a fever, cough, skin sores, or painful urination, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to Simulect, then it is best not to use Simulect.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Cancer;
- Diabetes;
- High cholesterol
- Electrolyte imbalance refers to any condition where there is either too little or too much potassium in the blood.
Can harm an unborn child. Use effective contraception during Simulect treatment and for 4 months following your last dose. Inform your physician immediately if you become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended.
How to take Simulect?
A healthcare provider injects Simulect into a vein. Simulect should be administered slowly for 30 minutes. Simulect should be given 4 days before and after your transplant. You could get infected or bleed easily. You'll need to undergo medical tests.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You are unlikely to miss a dosage in a medical setting.
What happens if I overdose?
In a medical setting, an overdose is treated immediately.
What should be avoided?
You could get a serious infection if you receive a "live vaccine". Live vaccines are measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid (yellow fever), varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles). You should ask your doctor when you can receive a live vaccination. Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
Interaction with other drug
Simulect may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
