Cystic Fibrosis Pharmacy in Florida has monitored patients with special immunology requirements since 1985. Our comprehensive Circle of Care program for Cystic Fibrosis patients includes all the various stages of transplant: preparation, reception and post-transplant.
The care of the Cystic Fibrosis patient does not end with the organ transplant. Members of our staff are specialists in transplant medications. They remain on the “cutting edge” of care for these very special patients.
The CF Pharmacy works closely with physicians and nursing services to ensure the best-possible quality of life for the patient and his/her caregivers. We offer the provision of all the medications, special IV drugs and various supplies.
Our staff has also participated in the National Organ Transplant Foundation (NOTF) and N. Lois Adams, our founder and CEO, serves on their Florida Board of Directors. We’re also proud to have sponsored the Special Transplant Olympics.
LUNG TRANSPLANTS
If Cystic Fibrosis advances into severe lung disease, the patient’s healthcare team may consider the option of lung transplantation with the patient and his/her family. The patient may then be referred to a transplant center for evaluation and testing.
According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, during 2011, almost 1,700 lung transplants were performed in the U.S. According to the CF Foundation Patient Registry, nearly 2,800 people with C.F. have received lung transplants since 1990, with about 150 to 200 C.F. patients receiving lung transplants yearly over the last five years.
An important part of the process is the post-transplant care to keep healthy. According to the CF Foundation, “People with CF generally do well after their bilateral lung transplantation- often better than people with other lung diseases do.” After surgery, a strong support system of engaged family, friends and the patient’s professional medical team (including their pharmacy) is critical to success.
Immunosuppressive medications to stop the patient’s immune system from rejecting the organ must be taken daily for life. There have been promising advances in the use of these drugs in helping people live longer with lung transplants
According to the CF Foundation, “Based on progress made in the past 10 to 15 years, survival after transplant will continue to improve.” Hopefully the need for lung transplants will be reduced as new drugs for C.F. continue to be developed.
Lung Transplantation Information from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
