What side effects can be expected from the medications prescribed after transplant?
Many medications have side effects. Side effects typical with post-transplant medications include elevated blood pressure, changes in mood, hair loss or hair growth, elevated blood sugar, bone and muscle weakness, kidney dysfunction, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and headache. Most patients will experience side effects initially, but these often diminish over time as dosages are reduced. Although side effects can be troublesome, medications should never be discontinued without the knowledge and agreement of the transplant team. When side effects are severe, the array of medicines can often be adjusted to improve the patient’s tolerance to the medication.