Overview
What is organ transplant
If one of your organs has failed, you may be eligible to receive a transplanted organ from another person (i.e., a donor). This could be due to an illness or injury to your heart, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas, intestines, or other organs. When receiving a transplanted organ, doctors remove the organ from the donor’s body and place it inside of your body. The selection process for an appropriate organ can take a long time, as doctors must carefully match the donor to the recipient. The selection process is very precise, in order to reduce the risk of transplant rejection.
How common is organ transplant
In the United States, 42,887 transplants were performed in 2022. Kidney transplants were the most common, with 25,498 individuals receiving a transplant. Liver transplants were second most common, having 9,528 individuals receive a new liver. Heart and lung transplants were not as prevalent, with 4,111 individuals receiving a heart and 2,692 individuals receiving a lung.
What is transplant rejection
Transplant rejection is when your body’s immune system attacks your new organ because it is not your own. To prevent and treat transplant rejection, your doctor will prescribe medication for you to take. The medication works to block your immune system from damaging your new organ.
How common is transplant rejection
Transplant rejection can occur at any time after receiving a transplanted organ. Rejection most commonly occurs within the first 12 months of a transplant, but it can also slowly progress over time. About 15% to 20% of transplant recipients experience some form of transplant rejection. It is important to take all the medication your doctor prescribes to prevent the occurrence of transplant rejection.
Questions regarding your transplant therapy?
You can reach the Accredo transplant care team, anytime, day or night, seven days a week.
24-hour Customer Service Center
Call 800-803-2523
References:
Cindy Young. (2023, July 24). 2022 organ transplants again set Annual records. UNOS. unos.org/news/.
"Organ Transplantation." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/organtransplantation.html. Accessed 29 Aug. 2023.
Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Kidney Transplant rejection. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21134-kidney-transplant-rejection
Symptoms
What are the symptoms of transplant rejection
After receiving a transplant, watch for the following signs and symptoms of transplant rejection, which include:
- Pain or tenderness around the transplant site
- Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Tiredness or loss of energy
- Flu-like symptoms, such as chills, body aches, or headache
How is it diagnosed
If your doctor suspects you may be experiencing transplant rejection, they may draw labs to analyze your blood. In some cases, a biopsy may be done to take a closer look at the tissue of the organ.
References:
Cindy Young. (2023, July 24). 2022 organ transplants again set Annual records. UNOS. unos.org/news/.
"Organ Transplantation." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/organtransplantation.html. Accessed 29 Aug. 2023.
Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Kidney Transplant rejection. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21134-kidney-transplant-rejection
Medications
The following specialty medications are available at Accredo, a specialty pharmacy for transplant.
| Brand | Generic | Transplant Types |
| Cellcept | Mycophenolate mofetil | Kidney, Heart, Liver |
| Imuran, Azasan | Azathioprine | Kidney |
| Myfortic | Mycophenolic acid | Kidney |
| Neoral, Gengraf | Cyclosporine modified | Kidney, Heart, Liver |
| Nulojix | Kidney | |
| Prograf, Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR | Tacrolimus | Prograf - Kidney, Heart, Liver, Lung Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR - Kidney |
| Rapamune | Sirolimus | Kidney |
| Sandimmune | Cyclosporine | Kidney, Heart, Liver |
| Simulect | Kidney | |
| Thymoglobulin | Kidney | |
| Zortress | Everolimus tablets | Kidney, Liver |
References:
Cindy Young. (2023, July 24). 2022 organ transplants again set Annual records. UNOS. unos.org/news/.
"Organ Transplantation." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/organtransplantation.html. Accessed 29 Aug. 2023.
Professional, C. C. M. (n.d.). Kidney Transplant rejection. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21134-kidney-transplant-rejection
Financing Your Care
Financial resources are available to support your drug costs, including manufacturer and community programs. Accredo specialists are available to help you find the right program for you.
Financial Guidance
Life-saving specialty medication can be expensive. Learn how the Accredo teams help individuals find ways to afford the medication they need to survive in this video.
Finding Support
Transplant Organizations
There are many organizations that support research and advocacy for transplant. See below for a few of those organizations.
Support Organizations
American Transplant Foundation
American Society of Transplantation
Children’s Organ Transplant Association
National Foundation for Transplants
Center for Organ Recovery & Education
Government Organizations
Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network
Health Resources and Services Administration
Meet the Team
Accredo’s transplant care team is dedicated to serving you and we understand the complexity of your condition. Our specialty-trained clinicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any questions.
Why We Do It
Accredo supports patients with chronic and complex conditions and helps them live their best life. Watch our video to learn why we do what we do for our patients.
24-hour Customer Service Center
Call 800-803-2523