Tacrolimus
Pronounced
"tack-row-LEE-muss"
Common brand names:
Prograf
Uses
Tacrolimus is used with other medications to prevent rejection of a kidney, heart, liver, or lung transplant. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new organ as if it were your own.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for a certain type of bowel condition (fistulizing Crohn's disease) in people who cannot take or have not been successfully treated by the usual treatment.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking tacrolimus and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. If you have nausea or an upset stomach, you may take this drug with food, although this may cause your body to absorb less of the drug. However, you must choose one way (with food or without food) and always take this medication the same way so that your body always absorbs the same amount of drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
If you are taking the capsules, swallow them whole. Do not open or crush the capsules.
If you are using the granules, read the manufacturer's Instructions for Use first. Use only non-plastic cups, spoons, or oral syringes when preparing or taking a dose. Do not sprinkle the granules on food. Open up the prescribed number of packets for your dose and mix the granules in a cup with 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of room temperature water and stir well. Drink the dose immediately. You may use an oral syringe to give the dose. Rinse the cup or syringe with the same amount of water and drink the rinse water to make sure the complete dose is taken. Do not prepare the granule mixture ahead of time. Do not save any of the mixture for later use.
The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, lab tests (such as tacrolimus trough levels), and response to treatment.
Tacrolimus is available in different formulations (such as immediate and extended-release). Do not switch between different forms of tacrolimus without consulting your doctor.
Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. Also, do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval.
Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the amount of medicine in your body at a constant level. Remember to take it at the same times each day.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.
Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.
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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.
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