Prograf (Tacrolimus) Customer Reviews

Prograf

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Description

Indications

Tacrolimus is administered in combination with other drugs to prevent the rejection of a transplanted kidney, heart, liver, or lung. This medicine falls into the category of drugs called immunosuppressants. Its mechanism of action involves suppressing your immune system, thereby weakening your body’s natural defense system. This enables your body to recognize and embrace the new organ as if it were an integral part of your own body.

Uses and Dosage

Tacrolimus is available in different forms, including capsules, granules for oral suspension, extended-release capsules, and extended-release tablets, all of which are taken orally. The immediate-release capsules and oral suspension are usually taken twice a day, 12 hours apart, either with or without food. The extended-release capsules or tablets are taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least an hour before breakfast or two hours after breakfast.

Take tacrolimus at the same time every day and follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. If you’re taking the granules for oral suspension, you should mix it with room temperature water before use and take it immediately. Don’t save any leftover mixture for later use.

The extended-release capsules and tablets should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, chewed, or split.

Your doctor will monitor your progress closely and adjust your dosage as needed. Make sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have about the amount of tacrolimus you should take.

Continue taking tacrolimus even if you feel well, as it’s the only way to prevent rejection of your transplant. Do not stop taking tacrolimus without consulting your doctor.

Different tacrolimus products release the medication differently in your body and cannot be used interchangeably. Only take the tacrolimus product prescribed by your doctor and do not switch to a different product unless your doctor advises it.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

  • headache
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • heartburn
  • stomach pain
  • difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • back or joint pain
  • burning, numbness, pain, or tingling in the hands or feet

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

  • decreased urination
  • pain or burning on urination
  • hives, rash, or itching
  • pale skin, shortness of breath, or fast heartbeat
  • extreme tiredness
  • swelling of the arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; or shortness of breath
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • seizures
  • vision changes
  • confusion
  • uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
  • coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
  • pinpoint-sized purple dots under the skin
  • bruising, fever, tiredness, sleepiness, confusion, yellowing of skin or eyes

Caution

Prior to taking tacrolimus, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies, including allergies to macrolide medications like sirolimus, or any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other complications.

Before using tacrolimus, disclose your medical history, especially if you have had mineral imbalances like high potassium, kidney disease, recent or current infections, cancer, liver disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes.

Tacrolimus may cause QT prolongation, which affects the heart rhythm. This condition can cause serious symptoms like fast or irregular heartbeat or severe dizziness and fainting, which require immediate medical attention.

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may increase the risk of QT prolongation. Using certain drugs like diuretics or having conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can also increase this risk.

Using tacrolimus may increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. As such, limit your time in the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.

Tacrolimus can increase the risk of infections or worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others, such as chickenpox, measles, or flu. Inform your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or need more information.

Before having any immunizations or vaccinations, tell your healthcare provider that you are using tacrolimus. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines, such as the flu vaccine that is inhaled through the nose.

This medication may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, particularly QT prolongation.

Since tacrolimus can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, it can harm an unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Men and women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control before and while using this medication. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor immediately about the risks and benefits of this medication. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

This medication can pass into breast milk and its effects on nursing infants are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Prograf is available in the following forms and strengths:

  • Prograf
  • tacrolimus

FAQ

Do you take Prograf for life?

You might have to take this medicine for the rest of your life to prevent your body from rejecting the transplant.

Is Prograf a high risk drug?

Using Prograf may increase your risk of developing serious infections or certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma or skin cancer.

Resources

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tacrolimus-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20068314#:~:text=You%20might%20have%20to%20take,Prograf%C2%AE%20together%20with%20cyclosporine
  2. https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/tacrolimus#:~:text=Using%20tacrolimus%20may%20increase%20your,that%20weaken%20the%20immune%20system
  3. https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/prograf
  4. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-10096/prograf-oral/details
  5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601117.html
  6. https://www.drugs.com/prograf.html

Additional information

Generic name:

Tacrolimus

Formulation:

Capsule

Strength(s):

0.5mg, 1mg, 5mg

Quantities Available:

60, 90

Can Drug Store has provided information from third parties intended to increase awareness and does not contain all the information about Prograf (Tacrolimus). Talk to your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner for medical attention, advice, or if you have any concerns about Prograf (Tacrolimus).