Medications: Protecting Your Transplant

Side Effects

The following are some of the more common side effects associated with some immunosuppressants. It may be possible to control these effects by changing doses or medicines. Ask your doctor about choices in immunosuppressants. Also see additional post transplant health concerns.

Side effects can include:

• Acne
• Adverse reactions to prolonged sunlight
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Fat deposits around the waist and back of neck
• Gout
• Gum overgrowth
• Hair loss
• Headache
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Increased appetite
• Increased blood sugar
• Kidney damage
• Mood swings
• Nausea, diarrhea and/or vomiting
• Osteoporosis
• Puffy ("moon-faced") appearance
• Skin peeling on palms and feet
• Swelling of feet, hands, abdomen or face
• Tingling hands and feet
• Tremors (shaking)
• Trouble sleeping
• Unwanted hair growth
• Weight gain

Reference and Publication Information

The United Network for Organ Sharing is committed to providing accurate and reliable information for transplant patients. To learn more about our content authorship and review process, please read about our Editorial Board.

The content on this page was originally created on August 15, 2003 by the United Network for Organ Sharing and last modified on October 10, 2003.

This web site is intended solely for the purpose of electronically providing the public with general health-related information and convenient access to the data resources. UNOS is not affiliated with any one product nor does UNOS assume responsibility for any error, omissions or other discrepancies.