Cold medicine

[Charly1429]

I’m a kidney transplant recipient. I received my kidney 16 months ago. What OTC meds can we take for a head cold?

[Sassyansweet]

My dr said coricidin. But you may want to call your transplant team and check . Congratulations on the kidney I have had mine since 10-31-2020.

[pops81]

Its was 40 years ago but my transplant team recommended coricidin as well. But I would still check with your team to see if anything newer out there may be safer. Good luck

[littlelinda50]

I really feel that transplant centers need to give us a list of things we can take over the counter for things like head colds or sinus pressure. My doctor did give me a web sight to check for interaction with my tacrolimus. So now I check things myself.

[Eyak1971 in reply to littlelinda50]

Great idea.

[LisaSnow]

Ask your center pharmacist. Every patient will be on a different protocol so it is best to check your clinical team who knows your current prescription and medical history.

[Charly1429]

Thank you all! Happy New year!!!

[Okiksaints1955]

I presume you have a Nephrologist and you're still seeing him.

I never take anything (medicine, food, liquid, etc.) that my Nephrologist approved.

Anything you read here is based on our own experience and Nephrologist. It is not safe to blindly follow whatever you read.

Again, ask your medical team

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Yes, ask your local pharmacy that you use or call your nephrologist. We are all different as are our meds. He would know all about interactions, etc. I have a problem with some cold medicines as they raise my blood pressure. Ask a professional.Congrats on the KIDNEY!! I am 22+ years post transplant.

[Hidden]

Ask Nephrology. Some of that stuff is dangerous to everyone. I don't take anything without a prescription. Oh, how could I forget, I take imodium because of the mycophenolate. Hot showers are great. Or, a hot washcloth over your face.

[Charly1429]

Thank you everyone! Happy New year! God bless everyone’s organs!!

[bluekidney]

Hi Congratulations on your transplant. I received my transplant 5 months ago. I personally received an OTC list I could use and the duration I was allowed to use each medication before I had to call them for a prescription or alternative care. My list recommends Robitussin DM, Diabetic Tussin DM and Vicks 44E for colds but they cannot be used for more than 3-5 days. I agree with everyone else centers need to give a little more guidance for the common issues we all face, but everyone’s care is tailored to them personally so I understand why they are hesitant to give OTC lists of medications to use. Definitely check with your team.

[Charly1429]

Congrats on your transplant! Thank you for your response! Wishing you a healthy and happy new year!!