Navigating the world of medications is an essential part of managing chronic kidney disease (CKD), whether you are undergoing dialysis or have received a kidney transplant. Different stages and types of kidney disease treatments require specific medication regimens. Each is designed to support your health and the success of your treatment plan.

This guide offers general information, but it is crucial to consult with your medical team to find the options that are right for your individual needs. If you require financial assistance for your kidney disease medications, please contact your social worker. Various regional, state, and federal programs may offer support.

Medications for Dialysis Patients

For individuals undergoing dialysis, understanding your medications and their purpose is paramount. It’s important to inform all your doctors that you have CKD, as this can influence medication choices and dosages, ensuring your care is coordinated and safe.

Medications prescribed for dialysis patients often serve several key functions. They may help your body produce red blood cells to combat anemia, control blood pressure, and replace essential vitamins and minerals that are either lost during dialysis or poorly absorbed. Other medications work to keep your bones strong and to eliminate phosphorus, which tends to build up when kidneys are not fully functional. Additionally, specific medications are prescribed to treat any infections or other illnesses you may encounter.

Preventing Rejection

For post-kidney-transplant patients, medications are absolutely critical for preventing organ rejection. After a transplant, your body's immune system naturally identifies the new organ as "foreign" and attempts to attack it. To counteract this, your transplant team will prescribe immunosuppressant medicines. These medications work to suppress your immune system's response, allowing your body to accept the new kidney.

It is vital to understand that your body will never fully "get used to" the new organ. This means you will need to remain on these medicines for the rest of your life, although doses may be lowered over time. A critical point to remember: Not taking these prescribed medications is a leading cause of transplanted organ loss. Adherence is non-negotiable for the longevity of your new kidney.

General Guidelines for Transplant Medications

Your transplant team will provide specific details about your ongoing medical treatment and answer all your questions. However, regardless of your specific prescriptions, several general guidelines are crucial for all transplant patients to follow.

• Take doses on time: Always take the prescribed doses each day, precisely at the appointed time. Consistency is key to maintaining stable medication levels in your body.

• Safe storage: Store medicines in tightly closed bottles and out of reach of children. Keep them in a cabinet at room temperature, outside of the bathroom, to avoid moisture which can degrade medication.

• Never run out: Always fill your prescriptions ahead of time. Plan for vacations and holidays by taking extra medication with you when traveling. Do not pack medicines in checked luggage, as temperatures can vary, or luggage could be lost. Always carry them with you.

• Missed doses: If you forget to take your medicine at the appointed time and remember it later, take it as soon as you recall. Then, take the next dose at its regularly appointed time. If you cannot remember if you took the medicine, do not take an extra dose. Just take the next dose at its appointed time. DO NOT take twice as much medicine.

• Pain relief: For headaches or general pain, you may take Tylenol (Regular or Extra-strength). However, NEVER take Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Aleve, or Excedrin without explicit medical team approval, as these can be harmful to your kidneys.

Comprehensive Medication Management

As part of the transplant process, you will receive various medications. This includes medicines given prior to your transplant, immediately after your transplant, and medications specifically to prevent infections. You will also have medications for any other ongoing medical issues not related to your kidney disease, and prescriptions for common illnesses like colds and flu that you may encounter post-transplant, or for allergic reactions. All of these medicines must work together seamlessly to address specific problems while maintaining the integrity and success of your transplant. Always CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL TEAM whenever you have questions about adding to or removing any medicines from your consumption list. This ensures your health and the longevity of your transplanted organ.