These drugs live up their name: They suppress the

immune system.

They keep white blood cells from duplicating and

attacking the new heart. We may not use all of these

drugs, or we may use them together for a limited time.

Immunosuppressive drugs include:

•tacrolimus (FK or Prograf®)

•mycophenolate mofetil (MMF or CellCept®)

•prednisone

•sirolimus (Rapamune®)

•cyclosporin

Immunosuppression Drugs

Because immunosuppression drugs affect the

immune system, you’ll want to keep your child away

from crowds for a short period of time after surgery

and avoid sick contacts as much as possible. If your

heart transplant kiddo develops a fever, chills, or any

other signs of illness, contact your medical team right

away.

A Tip About Immunosuppression Drugs

These drugs step in to do what the immune system

would normally do. Each of the medications in this

category prevents 3 different types of infections:

1. Bacterial infections

2. Fungal and yeast infections

3. Viral infections - CMV (Cytomagalovirus) and EBV

(Ebstein-Barr virus)

3 -12 months after transplant: the amount of time

heart transplant kids stay on these medications, as

their bodies adjust to the immunosuppressive drugs;

determined, in part, by their pre-transplant exposure.

Infection Prevention Drugs

High blood pressure can be a side effect of some of

the drugs we use. So, these medications relax blood

vessels and diminish the effects of stress hormones in

order to lower blood pressure.

You may be familiar with one type of these drugs,

known as ACE inhibitors. Many other drugs—like

herbal supplements, vitamins, and over-the-counter

meds—interact with ACE inhibitors. It’s important that

you talk with your child’s doctor or pharmacist about using them.

Blood Pressure-Lowering Drugs

These drugs thin the blood after transplant. Aspirin,

the anticoagulant we typically use, prevents blood

clots, reduces inflammation and decreases the risk of

the new heart developing coronary artery disease.

Anticoagulation Drugs

After heart transplant surgery, diuretics help the new

heart with fluid regulation. They increase urine

production, which gets rid of extra water in the body.

Additionally, diuretics can combat side effects of some of the other medications our heart kiddos take.

Diuretic Drugs

This group of drugs inhibit the enzyme that produces

cholesterol in the liver, so our patients don’t end up

with high cholesterol They also lower the risk of

transplant coronary artery disease.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs are also known as

“statins.”

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs

Because we use medications after transplant that can

cause stomach irritation and heartburn, we then want

to reduce those side effects. Medications, like

Prevacid® or Prilosec®, can prevent stomach ulcers and ease discomfort from other medications.

GI Protection Drugs

Some of the post-transplant drugs causes mineral levels

in the body to decrease. We monitor blood levels carefully

so we can detect any changes.

Minerals that can decrease after heart transplant:

•magnesium

•calcium

•potassium

Although supplements may seem like the simplest over-

the-counter go-to for concerned parents, you should still

talk to your kiddo’s doctor first to make sure that whatever

vitamins and minerals you’d like to give your child won’t interfere with her other medications.

Supplements