About kidney disease Treatment for kidney disease What drugs are needed after transplantation? If you would like to discuss your kidney diagnosis with our trained members of staff, ring the free to call number 0800 169 0936. The NKF Helpline is available Monday to Thursday 08:30am - 5:00pm Friday 08.30am – 12.30pm on 0800 169 09 36 or email [email protected] WHAT MEDICINES ARE NEEDED AFTER TRANSPLANTATION? KEY POINTS Medicines are essential to protect a kidney transplant long term. The type and number of medicines vary and are tailored to each person. The kidney transplant team provides ongoing review, advice, and support. CHANGES TO MEDICINES AFTER A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT After a kidney transplant, there are often many changes to medicines, particularly in the first few weeks. Some medicines may stay the same, others may be stopped, and new medicines may be started. For this reason, it is important to keep an up-to-date list of medicines after a transplant. The kidney transplant team will explain medicines, provide support with how they are taken and can usually supply a medicines list. Many hospitals encourage people to start taking their own medicines with support from staff while they are on the transplant ward so that people are familiar with their new medicines and feel comfortable taking them by the time they go home. After people are discharged home after a kidney transplant, they are followed up with regular appointments at the hospital. IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT (ANTI-REJECTION) MEDICINES IN COMMON USE A number of medicines are started after a kidney transplant. The most important medicines started are immunosuppressant medicines, also known as anti-rejection medicines. The body has natural defences called the immune system. These defences protect the body by attacking things that do not belong, such as bugs which can cause infection. The immune system recognises the body’s own tissues and organs. However, a kidney transplant is seen as different from the rest of the body. Because of this, the immune system may try to attack the transplanted kidney. This attack can damage the kidney transplant and stop it from working properly. This is known as rejection. Immunosuppressant medicines reduce the body’s natural defences. This helps protect the transplanted kidney. These immunosuppressant medicines need to be taken regularly and long-term as without them the kidney transplant will not be protected, it will be damaged by the immune system and stop working. Common immunosuppressant medicines include tacrolimus, ciclosporin, sirolimus, azathioprine, mycophenolate and prednisolone. Different transplant units may use slightly different combinations of these medicines. Research has shown that these approaches are equally effective and treatment can be tailored to each individual. People who have had a kidney transplant may be prescribed up to three different immunosuppressant medicines. The number and choice of medicines will vary depending on the transplant unit and the individual patient. There are different brands of tacrolimus and ciclosporin. They all have the same ingredient, but they can work in a different way. All brands are good at protecting a kidney transplant. It is very important to take the same brand each time unless the transplant team advises a change. OTHER MEDICINES USED AFTER A TRANSPLANT In addition to immunosuppressant medicines, other medicines may be started after a kidney transplant. These vary between individuals and may include medicines to prevent infection, reduce the risk of blood clots, protect the stomach, or manage blood pressure or blood sugar levels. Some medicines can interact with immunosuppressant medicines and affect how well they work. Always check with a pharmacist or the transplant team before starting any new medicine. SIDE EFFECTS OF MEDICINES Most medicines can have side effects, but many people tolerate them well and feel fine. Click here to find out more about individual immunosuppressant medicines and their possible side-effects. The transplant team carefully balances medicines to protect the kidney while minimising side-effects. Medicines are reviewed at every clinic visit, which is why regular appointments are important. Any concerns about side effects should be discussed with the kidney transplant team, who can offer support and advice. USING OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES SAFELY Some medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements can affect how antirejection medicines work. Always check with a pharmacist or the transplant team before starting any new medicines. Paracetamol is usually the safest painkiller for people with a kidney transplant. Avoid painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, as these can harm the kidney transplant. MEDICINES AFTER TRANSPLANT: PROTECTING THE TRANSPLANT FOR THE LONG TERM Medicines play a vital role in keeping a transplanted kidney healthy and helping people stay well long term. Although people may feel back to normal after a transplant, these medicines are needed to protect the kidney and support overall health. Taking medicines regularly is one of the most important ways to protect a transplant. If anyone finds this challenging or they are worried about side-effects of medicines, the transplant team can offer support and advice. TOP TIPS FOR TAKING MEDICINES AFTER A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines Take medicines regularly, exactly as prescribed Check with a pharmacist or transplant team before starting new medicines Tell the transplant team about any side effects or concerns Attend follow-up appointments regularly Bring a list of questions to appointments Last reviewed May 2026Next review May 2029Reviewed by Amy Page & Lauren Hall Specialist Renal Pharmacists Download this information in PDF The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor. More information about kidney transplants Click here Manage Cookie Preferences