Keeps your body from rejecting an organ transplant, such as a kidney or liver
Brand Names:
Prograf
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to tacrolimus
Uses:
Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You may take this medicine with or without food, but take it the same way each time. Take the medicine at evenly spaced intervals (such as exactly every 12 hours if you are taking the medicine twice daily).
If a dose is missed:
This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
Storage:
Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking cyclosporine (Neoral®, Sandimmune®), St. John's wort, antibiotics, cancer medicines, diuretics or "water pills" (such as Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Maxzide®, Midamor®, Moduretic®), heart or blood pressure medicine (such as verapamil, Adalat®, Calan®, Cardizem®, Lotrel®, Plendil®, Procardia®, Tiazac®), or medicine for seizures (such as Dilantin®, Luminal®, Tegretol®). There are many other medicines that may interact with tacrolimus. Tell your doctor about ALL other medicines you are using.
Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving tacrolimus. Vaccines may not work as well while you are using this medicine.
Do not drink alcohol, eat grapefruit, or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or high blood pressure.
Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
Some people who have had transplants and used tacrolimus have developed diabetes, especially people who are Hispanic or African-American and have had a kidney transplant. You may also have a higher risk of skin cancer or cancer of the lymph system while using tacrolimus. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these risks.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or lips
Fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Fever, chills, sore throat, cough
Increased thirst or hunger
Numbness, tingling, swelling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Tremors or shaking
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Mild skin rash
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, upset stomach
