Because some medications can cause ulcers in the stomach and upper intestine, a patient may need to take other medications to help protect his digestive system. These drugs will be prescribed by the transplant team when necessary.

ANTACIDS

DI-GEL®, MYLANTA®, ROLAIDS®, MAALOX®, and TUMS® are a few of the over-the-counter medications available. The ingredients in them vary. They should not be taken with immunosuppressive medications. Check with the transplant team before taking any medication!

ANTI-ULCER MEDICINES

TAGAMENT® (cimetidine), ZANTAC® (ranitidine), PEPCID® (famotidine), PRILOSEC® (omeprazole), and CARAFATE® (sucralfate) are medications used to prevent and sometimes treat ulcers of the stomach of upper intestine.

How to take:

• It is important to follow instructions about meals and other medications when taking any of these drugs.

• The transplant team will determine a patient's proper medication, dosage, and length of treatment time.

Precautions:

• Some of these drugs interact with other medications.

• The patient should not make changes in doses on his own.

• The patient should consult the transplant team immediately if she thinks she is pregnant.

Principal side effects:
These include, but are not limited to, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and gas.