The patient is responsible for taking the medications that have been prescribed for him. He should talk to his physician, pharmacist, transplant nurse, and/or coordinator to understand fully:

• the name and purpose of each medication
• when to take each medication
• how to take each medication
• how long to continue taking each medication
• principal side effects of each medication
• what to do if he forgets to take a dose
• when to order more medication so it doesn't run out
• how to order or obtain medications
• what to avoid while taking medications

At home, the recovering patient will continue taking most of the medicines he began taking in the hospital after the transplant surgery, especially the anti-rejection medications. His immune system recognizes the new liver as foreign and will try to reject it. Therefore, his immune system must be controlled with immunosuppressive medications. The patient probably will have to take one or more of these drugs for the rest of his life, in addition to other medications.

REMINDER: Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without a physician's approval.

Before taking medications:

• Ask the nurse, coordinator, or pharmacist to help in selecting the best times to take medications.
• Try to take each medication at the same time every day.
• Follow a written schedule.
• DO NOT cut or crush a tablet unless advised to do so.

General Guidelines for Storing Your Medications

• Keep all of your medications in the original container.
• Make sure the cap is on tightly.
• Store the medication containers in a cool (<80° F), dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Do not store medications in the bathroom - moisture can cause medications to lose their strength.
• Keep all medications away from children.
• Do not store medications in your car.
• Ask your nurse, coordinator, or pharmacist to help you pick the best times to take your medications.
• Take each medication at the same time every day.
• Follow a written schedule.
• DO NOT cut or crush a pill unless you are told to do so.

Important Medication Tips

• Take Tacrolimus on an empty stomach.
• Take your Tacrolimus or Cyclosporine doses 12 hours apart.
• Take Tacrolimus or Cyclosporine AFTER the lab draws blood for a level.
• Bring the medication with you and take it after your blood has been drawn.
• Bring all of your medications to your first clinic appointment.