Drugs & Vitamins

Basiliximab Active Ingredients: Basiliximab Representative Names: Simulect What is basiliximab injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I use this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with basiliximab? What side effects may I notice from receiving basiliximab? What should I watch for while taking basiliximab? Where can I keep my medicine? What is basiliximab injection? (Back to top) BASILIXIMAB (Simulect®) suppresses the body's natural immune function. It is used in patients receiving organ transplants to help prevent organ rejection from the body. Generic basiliximab injections are not yet available. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •infection •receiving vaccinations •an unusual or allergic reaction to basiliximab, mouse proteins, mannitol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? (Back to top) Basiliximab is for injection into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. What drug(s) may interact with basiliximab? (Back to top) •vaccines Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving basiliximab? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine •shortness of breath or difficulty breathing •skin rash, itching, or hives Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •constipation •difficulty sleeping •headache •nausea, vomiting •pain at the injection site •stomach upset •tremor What should I watch for while taking basiliximab? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You should always carry an identification card that includes your name and your prescriber's name and address. If you are going to have surgery within the next 12 months, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have received basiliximab. Basuliximab will decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Discuss whether or not you should receive vaccinations with your prescriber or health care professional. After you stop taking this medication, some side effects can continue and some may not occur until years after the medicine was taken. These effects can include the development of certain types of cancer. Discuss this possibility with your prescriber or health care professional. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. You will only receive this medicine in the hospital. Last Updated:08/21/2005 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.