Pancreatic Islet Cell Transplantation Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

If you are planning to have a transplant, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Toxicity from immunosuppressive agents
• Injury to the liver or the pancreas
• Cholesterol problems
• Sensitization—The recipient may form antibodies to future islet cells for repeat transplant.
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Blood clots
• Worsening of kidney function
• Worsening of high blood pressure

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Kidney disease
• Bleeding disorders

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
• Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting
• High or low blood glucose levels

In case of emergency, CALL 911.