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Advice for transplant patients

Transplant clinic availability 

We are open from 8:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

We are closed on weekends and bank holidays.

For help and advice 

Phone: +44 (0)1895 823 737 

Ask for Bleep 6163 (8:30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday) or Bleep 6160 (evenings, weekends and bank holidays).


What if there's an emergency?

In an emergency, dial 999. Once you get to your local A&E, the treating hospital should contact Harefield. Please ask a relative to keep us informed.


Immunosuppression medication (Tacrolimus, Cyclosporin, Sirolimus)

Remember to take your medication at regular times, 10am and 10pm. If you should forget to take a dose then contact the transplant clinic for advice.


Clinic visits and blood tests 

On clinic visit days or blood test appointments with your GP, do not take your Tacrolimus until after you’ve had your blood test. However, remember to bring your medication to clinic with you and to take them after your test.


Temperature

Check your temperature daily or if at any time you feel unwell. The normal temperature range is from 35.5 to 37 degrees celsius. If you develop a temperature above 37.5 degrees celsius, please call the clinic.


Weight

Weigh yourself every morning before breakfast. If you gain approximately 4 pounds or 2 kilograms in two days, call the clinic.


Vomiting and diarrhoea

If you develop an episode of vomiting or diarrhoea, please call the clinic so that we can advise you what course of action to take.


Flu-like symptoms, swollen ankles or unexplained tiredness

If you develop any of the above, please contact the clinic for advice.


Food

Follow the restricted food guidelines in your information booklet.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice

Please do not have grapefruit or drinks containing grapefruit.


Public transport and crowded places 

Avoid using public transport or visiting crowded places such as shopping centres or supermarkets in the first 3 months after transplant. You may go out and about but choose a quiet time and not a busy weekend.


Medicines to avoid

Avoid over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen, brufen and nurofen, as they interact with your Tacrolimus and affect the levels.


Antibiotics

Erythromycin and Clarithromycin should not be taken as they interact with your Tacrolimus and affect the levels. If your GP prescribes either of these, do NOT take them, and contact the clinic for advice.


Herbal remedies

Do not take any herbal remedies.

Always bring your medicines, blue book and overnight bag with you when attending clinic.

Queries: Any queries, however small, please do not hesitate to contact us.


Vaccination requirements for transplant patients

Recommended post-transplant:

  • Pneumovax
  • Annual influenza vaccine

Not all vaccines can be given to transplant recipients and care needs to be taken to avoid the live vaccines.

Below is a list of vaccines which can and cannot be given to transplant recipients:

Vaccination which can safely be administeredVaccinations are unsafe and cannot be administered:
  • Cholera
  • Diphtheria - adsorbed
  • Inactivated Polio (IPV, SALK)
  • Influenza
  • Haemophilus influenza Type B (Hib)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Meningococcal Polysaccharide
  • Normal Human Immunoglobulin (Gammaglobulin, Kabigglobulin)
  • Pertussis
  • Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (Pneuomovax)
  • Rabies
  • Tetanus - adsorbed
  • Typhoid (Typhoid/Vac.A - killed organism)
  • Typhoid (Vi Polysaccharide - Typhim Vi)
  • Meningococcal
  • BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
  • Measles
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Oral Polio (OPV, SABIN) including household contact
  • Oral Typhoid (Vivotif)
  • Smallpox
  • Yellow fever

 

All vaccines (except “passive vaccination” with immunoglobulin preparations) may be less effective in the immunosuppressed patient.


Contact us

Phone: +44 (0)1895 823 737

Address: Transplant team, Harefield Hospital, Hill End Road, Harefield, Middlesex, UB9 6JH

For information about how to get here, including public transport and parking information, visit our Harefield Hospital directions page

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