Simulect

Simulect is used with other medications to stop your body from rejecting a transplanted kidney after a kidney transplant. This medicine weakens your immune system to help prevent rejection of the transplanted kidney.

Simulect may also be used for other reasons that are not included in this medication guide.

You may experience infections or have an increased risk of bleeding. Contact your doctor if you notice unusual bleeding or signs of infection, such as fever, cough, skin sores, or painful urination.

You should not use Simulect if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• cancer;
• diabetes;
• high cholesterol; or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as high or low levels of potassium in your blood);

May harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control while receiving Simulect and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, itching; feeling faint; sneezing, wheezing, trouble breathing; fast heartbeats; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

An allergic reaction may happen up to 24 hours after a Simulect injection.

Simulect may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• trouble breathing;
• pain or burning when you urinate;
• joint pain, redness, or stiffness;
• a surgical wound that won't heal;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;
• swelling in your hands or feet;
• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;
• high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingling feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;
• low blood potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or feeling limp;
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or
• signs of infection--fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea.

Common side effects of Simulect may include:

• stomach pain or upset, nausea, vomiting;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sore throat;
• headache;
• increased blood pressure;
• tremors;
• sleep problems (insomnia);
• acne; or
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Simulect is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Simulect must be given slowly over 30 minutes.

Simulect is usually given just before your transplant and again 4 days afterward.

You may get infections or bleed more easily. You will need medical tests.

In a medical setting, you are unlikely to miss a dose.

In a medical setting, an overdose would be treated quickly.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, and varicella (chickenpox). Ask your doctor how soon after treatment you can safely receive a live vaccine.

Do not be near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you develop signs of infection.

Other drugs may affect Simulect, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.