Drugs

When you are first diagnosed with end stage renal failure you may find that you are suddenly prescribed many different pills. During dialysis you may find that some of these are reduced and after a transplant you may have to start taking more again. During your clinic visits your drugs will be monitored and you will be told if doses need to change.

Once you have dialysis access you can get your prescriptions free but at other stages of kidney failure you may want to apply for a pre-payment certificate, unless you are exempt (e.g. age or low income) - see the Government web page for details. Once you have a transplant you will see a pharmacist regularly at clinic and delivery of your drugs will be arranged through the Post Office. Prior to your appointment you should count how many pills you have left so that the pharmacist can ensure you will not run out prior to your next delivery.

Care should be taken to take the drugs at the appropriate time. e.g. Renegel should be taken with food, some should be taken after food or at bedtime. Stick to the information written on your prescription or following advice from your medical team.

The number of drugs required can seem daunting and it is a good idea to use a weekly pill holder to organise your pills for you. There are many available (e.g. Boots, Superdrug) including these available online:

	Lakeland Limited
	Shanty's Limited

If you have side effects from any of your drugs you should inform your consultant or nursing team. It may be possible for you to be prescribed an alternative or for the dose or timings of doses to be changed which may help with the problem. NEVER stop taking a drug and always talk to your doctor if you are concerned about anything you are taking.

More details on different drugs during treatment are available here, but bear in mind that everyone is different:
During kidney failure
Post-transplant
Commonly prescribed drugs