Self perception affecting adherence to drug regimen following renal transplantation.
The patient, a chronic cannabis user, found it increasingly difficult to tolerate the side effects of the medication on her appearance. Rejection in the early post-transplant period meant that immunosuppression could not be further reduced. We were able to avoid a catastrophic self-initiated cut in immunosuppression, and withdrawal of steroids was carried out according to a schedule supervised by the clinic. Cellular rejection resulted and was treated with i.v. methyl prednisolone and conversion from cyclosporin micro-emulsion (Neoral, Novartis) to tacrolimus (Prograf, Fujisawa) and from azathioprine to mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept, Roche).
Trevitt
R
R
Royal London and St. Bartholomew's Hospitals NHS Trust, United Kingdom.
Whittaker
C
C
Ball
E A
EA
D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000276:immunology / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents