Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus is used together with other medicines in people who have had a heart, kidney, liver, or lung transplant.

Introduction #

Generic name: Tacrolimus (oral/injection)

Brand names: Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf, Hecoria

Dosage forms: intravenous solution (5 mg/mL); oral capsule (0.5 mg; 1 mg; 5 mg); oral capsule, extended release (0.5 mg; 1 mg; 5 mg); oral granule for reconstitution (0.2 mg; 1 mg); oral tablet, extended release (0.75 mg; 1 mg; 4 mg)

Drug class: Calcineurin inhibitors

Benefits #

In Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients

Tacroz Forte Ointment belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressants. Organ rejection happens when your immune system treats the new organ as an invader and attacks it. This medicine weakens your immune response (which usually fights infection) and reduces the chance of your body attacking the transplanted organ. It is used in combination with other medicines to make it much more likely that your transplant operation will be successful. You should continue taking the medicine and should not stop it until your doctor says so.

How it works? #

Tacroz Forte Ointment is an immunosuppressant. It works by suppressing the activity of certain immune cells that cause inflammation (redness and swelling) of the skin. This relieves itching and improves rashes in atopic dermatitis.

Directions for use #

• Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

• You may receive an injection of tacrolimus shortly after your transplant. Tacrolimus injection is given until you are ready to take the pill form of tacrolimus.

• Take oral tacrolimus at the same time each day, with a full glass of water.

• Swallow the tablet or capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

• Mix tacrolimus oral granules with water right before you take them. Do not save this mixture for later use. Do not get the powder or mixture on your skin or in your eyes. If this happens, wash your skin with soap and water or rinse your eyes with water.

• Take Astragraf XL or Envarsus XR in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

• You may take Prograf with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

• Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of tacrolimus. All forms of tacrolimus are not equivalent and may not have the same dose or schedule. Avoid medication errors by using only the form and strength your doctor prescribes.

• You will need frequent medical tests, and your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

Side effects #

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• General ill feeling, pain or swelling near your transplanted organ

• Headaches, vision changes, pounding in your neck or ears

• Confusion, behavior changes

• Tremors, a seizure

• Fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out)

• Chest pain, cough, trouble breathing (even while lying down)

• High blood sugar–increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, fruity breath odor, nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, confusion

• High potassium level–nausea, weakness, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement

• Kidney problems–swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath

• Low magnesium or phosphate–bone pain, jerky muscle movements, muscle weakness or limp feeling, slow reflexes

• Low blood cell counts–fever, flu symptoms, tiredness, pale skin, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of tacrolimus may include:

• Low blood cell counts, infections

• Fever

• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain

• Weakness, pain

• Fluid around your heart

• Tremors

• Headache

• Cough, breathing problems

• High blood sugar, high potassium levels, high cholesterol or triglycerides levels

• Low levels of magnesium or phosphate

• Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet

• Sleep problems (insomnia)

• Swelling in your hands, legs, ankles, or feet.

Warnings #

Tacrolimus may increase your risk of developing a serious infection, skin cancer, or lymphoma. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using tacrolimus.

Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection such as fever, chills, flu symptoms, cough, sweating, painful skin sores, skin warmth or redness, or muscle aches.