Things to avoid while on antirejection medicines

Some things can have a harmful interaction with antirejection medicines. So you should avoid these things after an organ transplant. They include:

• Certain antibiotics, medicines and supplements. Avoid some antibiotics, including erythromycin and clarithromycin, after an organ transplant. They can interact with the antirejection medicines and cause problems. Some pain medicines, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin, also should be avoided. Ibuprofen can cause upset stomach and water retention after an organ transplant. Aspirin is OK in small doses, but higher doses can cause stomach irritation and ulcers. Some supplements, including St. John's wort, may interact with antirejection medicines and should be avoided. Don't take antibiotics, medicines or supplements without first talking with your healthcare professional.
• Grapefruit and pomegranate juices. Don't drink these juices while taking antirejection medicines. The juices can affect the balance of medicine levels in the body.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some antirejection medicines are not safe to take during pregnancy. They can cause pregnancy loss, fetal harm, birth defects, premature labor and harm to a nursing infant. People able to get pregnant may need to use a contraceptive before starting these medicines and while using them. Talk with your healthcare professional if you become pregnant while taking an antirejection medicine.
• Sunbathing. Some antirejection medicines increase the risk of skin cancer. Avoid sunbathing, and wear sunscreen and clothing that covers you when in the sun.