A liver transplant, like all major surgery, has possible serious risks such as bleeding, infection, and complications from anesthesia. In addition, people who have a liver transplant may have side effects from the immunosuppressive drugs they need to take. These medicines weaken the immune system so the body does not reject the new liver. This means, however, that a patient may be at increased risk for developing other serious infections. Some of the immunosuppressive drugs can also cause high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, and weaken the bones and kidneys. Regular health care checks with the transplant team are critical to staying as healthy as possible after a liver transplant.