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.

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).

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Organ Transplant -- Rejection Prophylaxis:

20 mg by IV infusion over 20 to 30 minutes or by IV bolus injection within 2 hours before surgery and 4 days after transplantation; withhold the second dose if complications occur (e.g., severe hypersensitivity or graft loss)

Comments:
-This drug is used as part of an immunosuppressive regimen that includes cyclosporine and corticosteroids.

Use: For the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in patients receiving renal transplantation when used as part of an immunosuppressive regimen that includes cyclosporine and corticosteroids

Usual Pediatric Dose for Organ Transplant -- Rejection Prophylaxis:

One year and older:
-Weight 35 kg or less: 10 mg by IV infusion over 20 to 30 minutes or by IV bolus injection within 2 hours before surgery and 4 days after transplantation; withhold the second dose if complications occur (e.g., severe hypersensitivity or graft loss)
-Weight 35 kg or more: 20 mg by IV infusion over 20 to 30 minutes or by IV bolus injection within 2 hours before surgery and 4 days after transplantation; withhold the second dose if complications occur (e.g., severe hypersensitivity or graft loss)

Comments:
-This drug is used as part of an immunosuppressive regimen that includes cyclosporine and corticosteroids.

Use: For the prophylaxis of acute organ rejection in patients receiving renal transplantation when used as part of an immunosuppressive regimen that includes cyclosporine and corticosteroids

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.

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

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

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.

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 injection.

Basiliximab may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• trouble breathing;

• pain or burning when you urinate;

• joint pain, redness, or stiffness;

• a surgical wound that will not heal;

• easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• high blood potassium--nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement;

• low blood potassium--leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling;

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or

• signs of infection--fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea.

Common side effects of basiliximab may include:

• stomach pain or upset, nausea, vomiting;

• diarrhea, constipation;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sore throat;

• headache;

• increased blood pressure;

• tremors;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• acne; or

• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Other drugs may affect basiliximab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.