Organ Transplants: Antirejection Medicines

Overview

How are antirejection medicines used for an organ transplant?

People who've had an organ transplant need antirejection medicines. That's because the immune system will try to destroy the new organ. These medicines weaken your immune system and make it harder for your body to destroy your new organ. But they also make it harder for your body to fight infections, cancer, and other diseases.

Types of antirejection medicine you may need to take include:

• Corticosteroids.
• Calcineurin inhibitors.
• Antiproliferative agents.
• Monoclonal antibodies.
• Polyclonal antibodies.

These medicines are also called immunosuppressants.