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Basiliximab
  • Treatments
  • Organ Transplant
  • Rejection Prophylaxis

Basiliximab

Generic name: basiliximab [ bass-il-IX-im-ab ]
Brand name: Simulect
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (10 mg; 20 mg)
Drug class:Interleukin inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 4, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is basiliximab?

Basiliximab is used with other medications to prevent organ rejection after a kidney transplant. Basiliximab weakens your immune system to prevent your body from "rejecting" the transplanted kidney.

Basiliximab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

You may get infections or bleed more easily. Call your doctor if you have unusual bleeding or signs of infection (fever, cough, skin sores, painful urination).

Before taking this medicine

You should not use basiliximab 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 basiliximab and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

How is basiliximab given?

Basiliximab is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

basiliximab must be given slowly over 30 minutes.

Basiliximab 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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

In a medical setting you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving basiliximab?

Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine, or you could develop a serious infection. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles). Ask your doctor how soon after treatment you can safely receive a live vaccine.

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Basiliximab side effects

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

An allergic reaction may occur up to 24 hours after a basiliximab injec...