Medications given after liver transplant

After a liver transplant, medicines are needed to help the body accept the new liver and prevent infection. They include:

• Antirejection medicines, also called immunosuppressants. These medicines prevent the body's immune system from attacking the new liver. These medicines are usually taken for the rest of your life. Common antirejection medicines include prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), tacrolimus (Prograf) and others.
• Medicines to prevent infection. Because antirejection medicines can weaken the immune system, people who've had liver transplants are at higher risk of infections. To prevent infection, antiviral, antibacterial or antifungal medicines may be prescribed.
• Experimental medicines and emerging medicines. Researchers are developing new treatments to improve transplant outcomes and prevent liver damage.