Absolutely. Prior to your visit, you will have bloodwork done including your kidney function panel and drug levels. Based on your drug levels, we might adjust or continue your current dose of rejection pills.

Your concern is legitimate, but rest assured, you can call or email us any time of the day to review the new medication and we will provide you with our expert opinion

That depends on several factors, but generally at least every 3-6 months. However, we are also able to see you sooner and more frequently if indicated.

We pride ourselves on our broad reach throughout Chicago via various clinics to minimize your commute. Our locations are listed on the left under “Office Locations”, and we can schedule you at the clinic closest to your residential zip code.

Yes. After your transplant, you will initially have frequent appointments with the transplant team to make sure you are recovering well. These visits will be less frequent over time as you begin your transition back to the referring transplant Institute at AIN. At the transplant Institute, we have partnered up with all the university hospitals in Chicago and are in constant communication with your team to ensure a safe and seamless transition of care.

Anti–rejection (immunosuppressant) medications decrease the body’s natural immune response to anything that is “foreign” (in this case your transplanted kidney). They lower (suppress) your immune system and prevent your body from rejecting your new kidney.

You should never stop taking anti-rejection medications no matter how good you feel and even if you think your transplanted kidney is working well. Stopping or missing medications will cause a rejection to occur. Kidney rejection is hard to diagnose in its early stages. Rejection is often not reversible once it starts and results in the loss of the transplanted kidney.

Memorize the names, doses, and schedule of each medication, and keep this information with you. Make taking your medicine a daily habit, using digital reminders if needed. Only your nephrologist or transplant team should adjust your anti-rejection medications.

Anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) medications have a number of possible side-effects which are usually manageable for most patients. Blood levels of anti-rejection medications will be checked regularly to prevent rejection and lessen side-effects. If side-effects do occur, your doctor may change the dose or type of medications.

Some of the most common side-effects of anti-rejection (immunosuppressant) medications include high blood pressure, an increased chance of having infections, gastrointestinal (belly/digestive) side effects.