5 mins read

Simulect is used to prevent organ rejection in people receiving a kidney transplant. It works by making your immune system less active, so it is less likely to attack a transplanted organ. The most common side effects are constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and upset stomach. Get help right away if you have symptoms of a serious side effect, such as trouble breathing, fever, swelling, dizziness, fast heartbeat, or chest pain. Simulect is given as an injection into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Uses

What is Simulect used for?

Simulect (basiliximab) is commonly used to prevent organ rejection in people having kidney transplant surgery. Organ rejection can happen if your immune system sees the donated organ as different or foreign and starts attacking it. 

Simulect may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Simulect work (mechanism of action)?

Simulect works by blocking a protein on the surface of immune system cells called T cells. This makes the immune system less active, which helps prevent it from attacking a transplanted organ.

How is Simulect supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Simulect

Dosage forms and strengths

Simulect is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Simulect?

Simulect is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Simulect?

The most common side effects of Simulect are listed below. Some of these effects may be caused by the organ transplant surgery itself. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of Simulect that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Simulect?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Simulect are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Simulect may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Serious Infections. Simulect may increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Fever, chills, sweats, or muscle aches
  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Simulect?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Simulect.

  • Basiliximab
  • Simulect 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Simulect.

What should I know about Simulect before using it?

Simulect is given as an injection into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

Simulect lowers the activity of your immune system and may increase the risk of infections. Your health care provider may give you other medicines to help prevent infections and recommend ways to protect your health after a transplant. It is important to follow all of your health care provider’s directions.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Simulect?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Simulect is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or after an organ transplant. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Simulect could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control before, during, and for four months after your last dose of Simulect. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Simulect passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. They will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding while receiving treatment with Simulect.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Simulect may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Simulect, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

How can I get more information about Simulect?

For more information about Simulect, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.novartis.com or call them at 888-669-6682.

Interactions

Does Simulect interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Simulect and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Simulect.

Does Simulect interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicine that suppresses your immune system (an immunosuppressant).

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Simulect. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Simulect?

If you or someone else has used too much Simulect, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Simulect?

Simulect is usually given by a health care provider at a clinic or hospital. It is usually given in two doses: one dose shortly before the organ transplant surgery and one dose within a few days after the surgery. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Simulect as scheduled.