Basiliximab (Simulect)
Indication:
- All standard risk patients receiving kidney and/or pancreas transplant. Low risk patients do not (see immunosuppressive protocols).
Dose:
- 20mg given 2 hours prior to transplantation
- 20mg given on day 4 post transplant
(The first dose must not be administered unless it is absolutely certain that the patient will receive the graft)
Reconstitution:
- 5ml water for injection (provided) should be added to the vial containing the Basiliximab powder
- Shake the vial gently to dissolve the powder
- The solution should be used immediately (it can be stored for 24hours in the fridge or 4 hours at room temperature)
Administration:
There are two possible routes of administration:
- Intravenous bolus injection
- Intravenous infusion over 20-30 minutes. (Final volume of at least 50ml using sodium chloride 0.9% or dextrose 5%)
Compatibility:
Basiliximab should not be mixed with other medicines/substances and should always be given through a separate infusion line.
Adverse Effects:
Severe acute hypersensitivity reactions have been observed both on initial exposure and re-exposure to basiliximab. These include anaphylactoid-type reactions. If severe hypersensitivity reaction occurs, therapy with basiliximab must be permanently discontinued and no further dose administered.
Side Effects:
Basiliximab does not appear to add to the background of side effects seen in organ transplantation patients as a consequence of their underlying disease and concurrent administration of immunosuppressants.