How is Rejection Treated?

Rejection does not mean you will lose your liver, but it is very important to begin treatment as soon as possible to avoid further complications. Rejections can usually be treated successfully with medication.

Rejection is usually treated by increasing the doses of your anti-rejection medications or by adding or combining different anti-rejection medications. Your transplant team may want to perform a liver biopsy to confirm that your symptoms are caused by rejection before they make any changes to your medications. You may be prescribed an increased dose of prednisone/ prednisolone daily or given solumedrol, the IV form, or prednisone. Sometimes another anti-rejection medicine, such as mycophenolate mofetil, sirolimus, or azathioprine may be added.

When your liver recovers, your doses of these additional anti-rejection medications may be decreased or discontinued. The level of your primary anti-rejection medication, usually tacrolimus or cyclosporine, may be reduced. Your transplant team's goal is to have the lowest amount of immunosupression possible so that you do not reject your liver, have good liver function, and have minimal risk of infection and other side effects.

Will I Always Have To Be Concerned About Rejecting My Liver?

The risk of rejection decreases over time, but can occur at any time. Taking good care of yourself, taking your medications as prescribed and having your blood tests done regularly will help decrease your risk of rejection. Good communication with your transplant team and following your care routine are key factors for a successful outcome after transplant. Rejection can be successfully treated due to advances in immunosuppression and combinations of anti-rejection medications.

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