Simulect

Generic name: basiliximab [ bass-il-IX-im-ab ]
Drug class: Interleukin inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 25, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Simulect?

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

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

Simulect 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 Simulect injection.

Simulect 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 Simulect 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.

Related/similar drugs

tacrolimus, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, CellCept, Imuran

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 Simulect 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 Simulect and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed.

How is Simulect given?

Simulect is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider.

Simulect must be given slowly over 30 minutes.

Simulect 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 Simulect?

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.

What other drugs will affect Simulect?

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

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.