basiliximab, Simulect

 Indications

Prevention of acute organ rejection in patients undergoing

renal transplantation; used with corticosteroids

and cyclosporine.

Action

Binds to and blocks specific interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor

sites on activated T lymphocytes. Therapeutic

Effects: Prevention of acute organ rejection following

renal transplantation.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: IV administration results in complete

bioavailability.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Unknown.

Half-life: 7.2 days.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (effect on immune

function)

ROUTE ONSET PEAK DURATION

IV 2 hr unknown 36 days

Contraindications/Precautions

Contraindicated in: Hypersensitivity; OB: May affect

fetal developing immune system; Lactation: May enter

breast milk.

Use Cautiously in: Women with childbearing potential;

Geri: Due to greater incidence of infection.

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Noted for patients receiving corticosteroids and cyclosporine

in addition to basiliximab.

CNS: dizziness, headache, insomnia, weakness .

EENT: abnormal vision, cataracts. Resp: coughing.

CV: HEART FAILURE, edema, hypertension, angina, arrhythmias,

hypotension. GI: abdominal pain, constipation,

diarrhea, dyspepsia, moniliasis, nausea, vomiting,

GI bleeding, gingival hyperplasia, stomatitis. Derm:

acne, wound complications, hypertrichosis, pruritus.

Endo: hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia. F and E: acidosis,

hypercholesterolemia, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia,

hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia.

Hemat: bleeding, coagulation abnormalities.

MS: back pain, leg pain. Neuro: tremor, neuropathy,

paresthesia. Misc: hypersensitivity reactions including

ANAPHYLAXIS, infection, weight gain, chills.

Interactions

Drug-Drug: Immunosuppression may beqwith

other immunosuppressants.

Drug-Natural Products: Concommitant use with

echinacea and melatonin may interfere with immunosuppression.

Route/Dosage

IV (Adults and Children 35 kg): 20 mg given 2 hr

before transplantation; repeated 4 days after transplantation.

Second dose should be withheld if complications

or graft loss occurs.

IV (Children 35 kg): 10 mg given 2 hr before transplantation;

repeated 4 days after transplantation. Second

dose should be withheld if complication or graft

loss occurs.

Availability

Powder for reconstitution: 20 mg/vial, 10 mg/vial.