Common drug-drug interactions in kidney transplant recipients – A practical guide for the family physician

Kidney transplantation offers improved mortality and morbidity compared to dialysis in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and is the preferred renal replacement therapy of choice. With their improved health status, kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) may seek care in the community as the first line of medical attention. With the increasing prevalence of ESKD in Singapore, family physicians will play an expanded role in the care of the KTR. To avoid allograft rejection, KTRs are on lifelong immunosuppressive therapy which has potential for adverse drug-drug interactions and drug toxicity. It would be prudent to be aware of potential interactions between immunosuppressive agents and commonly prescribed medications in the primary care setting.