Drug
Tacrolimus
Pronounced
"tack-row-LEE-muss"
Uses
Tacrolimus is used with other medications to prevent rejection of a kidney 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.
Warning
Tacrolimus lowers the body's ability to fight an infection/disease (immunosuppression). This effect may increase your risk of developing an infection or certain types of cancer (such as skin cancer, lymphoma). To reduce the risk of these serious side effects, take this medication at the lowest effective dose as directed by your doctor. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following: unusual skin changes, change in the appearance/size of moles, unusual growths/lumps, swollen glands, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever).
This medication may increase the risk of death when it is used by women to prevent organ rejection after a liver transplant. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with the doctor.
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 to reduce the risk of rejection of other types of transplant (such as heart, liver). See also Warning section.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by 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 on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. Talk to your doctor about how to take this medication if you have nausea or an upset stomach.
Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush or chew. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, lab tests (such as tacrolimus trough levels), response to treatment, and previous dose of tacrolimus (if switching from the form of this medication that is taken twice daily).
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 time 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 tablets.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.