The Role of Immunosuppressive Medications in Kidney Transplant

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FAQs

Immunosuppression is critical to prevent the body’s immune system from attacking and rejecting the transplanted organ. These drugs weaken the immune system to allow the new kidney to function without being seen as a foreign invader.

Immunosuppressants work by dampening the body’s immune response, preventing immune cells from attacking the transplanted organ. They target specific immune pathways to reduce the likelihood of organ rejection after a kidney transplant.

Immunosuppressive drug therapy involves using medicines to lower the immune system’s ability to reject a transplanted organ. These drugs are essential for the success of kidney transplants and are taken for the rest of the patient’s life.

Immunosuppressive therapy is important because, without it, the body would naturally reject the transplanted kidney. These drugs help protect the new kidney and ensure it remains healthy and functional in the long term.

A major side effect of immunosuppressive therapy is an increased risk of infections. Since these drugs lower the immune system’s ability to fight off infections, patients must be monitored closely for any signs of illness or infection.

Medically reviewed by Reema Patel, MPA, PA-C — Written by Rebecca Joy Stanborough, MFA — Updated on August 31, 2022

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