Medicine adherence means taking your medicines exactly as directed. It's very important for people with an organ transplant.

After an organ transplant, you need to take anti-rejection medicines every day for the rest of your life. These medicines keep your new organ as healthy as possible.

Anti-rejection medicines weaken your body’s natural defense system, called your immune system. The immune system attacks things in the body that don’t belong there. Without these medicines, your immune system would try to attack your new organ.

Your transplant care team will figure out the right medicines for you. Types of anti-rejection medicine you may need include:

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

Each type works a little differently. It’s common to take a few types together to keep your new organ as healthy as possible.

You'll need to be sure you take all of your medicines correctly, on time, every day. Here are some tips that can help.

• Take your medicine when you do another daily activity. For example, take it after you brush your teeth.
• Schedule reminders on your phone, watch, or computer.
• Keep your medicines where you can easily see them. (But keep them out of reach of children and pets.)

• Use a pillbox that lists the days of the week.
• If you take pills more than once a day, get a pillbox with spaces for morning, noon, and evening.
• Check your pillbox to make sure that you have taken your pills for the day.

• Talk to your doctor about the instructions for your specific medicines. Read the instructions that come with your medicines. You may be instructed to:
  • Avoid grapefruit and pomegranate juices or other foods. They can change how your medicine works.
  • Avoid certain antibiotics, medicines, and supplements. Ask your care team what you should avoid.
  • Avoid the sun (or take extra care to protect your skin) if your medicine raises the risk of skin cancer.

• Refill your prescription while you still have some pills left.
• If you use mail order, order with enough time for the refill to arrive before you run out.
• When traveling, bring enough for your entire trip plus 3 to 5 extra days. Keep a copy of your prescription labels with you.
• When traveling by air, keep your medicines in your carry-on.

Talk to your care team if you have questions or concerns about taking your medicines as directed. Call them for instructions if you miss a dose of medicine. Remember, they’re there to help.

These medicines are important for your health, but some side effects are possible. They often get better over time. Some of the most common side effects include:

• High blood pressure.
• Diabetes.
• High cholesterol.
• Stomach problems.
• A higher risk of infection.
• A higher risk of some forms of cancer.

You will get regular tests to check for these problems and to make sure your body is getting the right amount of medicine. If you notice signs of infection or new symptoms, tell your care team right away.

Reach out to your care team if you have problems or concerns. They are there to help with any questions you have about your medicines.

Until you talk to your care team, keep taking your medicines as directed. Talk to your care team before stopping or starting any prescription or over-the-counter medicines or supplements.