Basiliximab



Simulect®







Basiliximab

(ba si LIK si mab)

U.S. Brand Names
Simulect®
Canadian Brand Names
Simulect®
Mexican Brand Names
Simulect®
Pharmacologic Category
Monoclonal Antibody
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • You will have an increased risk of getting infections. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to basiliximab or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent rejection after organ transplant.
How does it work?
  • Basiliximab helps the body accept a transplanted organ.
  • It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is used in combination with other medicine.
  • This medicine is given as a shot into a vein.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Use birth control that you can trust before treatment begins, during treatment, and for 4 months after treatment ends.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Anemia.
  • Acne.
  • Hair growth.
  • Constipation.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. This may improve once you are on a stable dose of medicine.
  • Change in look of teeth or gums.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Confusion; very nervous; anger with sweating, shivering, stiffness, or shaking.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Numbness or tingling of hands or feet.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Unable to pass urine.
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding.
  • Sudden change in vision.
  • Swelling.
  • Significant weight gain.
  • Increased trips to the bathroom, increased thirst, or weight loss.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: