Prevents your body from rejecting an organ (including kidney, liver, heart, or lung) after transplant.
Brand Name(s):
Prograf
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to tacrolimus or polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil.
How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. Your doctor may let you stay for at least the first 30 minutes after the start of the infusion and at frequent intervals thereafter.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine together with sirolimus.
Do not use this medicine together with cyclosporine. Tacrolimus or cyclosporine should be stopped at least 24 hours before starting the other.
There are many foods and drugs that can interact with tacrolimus. Tell your doctor if you are using cannabidiol. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, cystic fibrosis, or any type of infection. Tell your doctor if you are African-American or have African or Hispanic ancestry.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Increased risk of serious infections
Increased risk of cancer (including skin cancer, lymphoma)
Diabetes
High blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm (including QT prolongation, torsade de pointes), heart problems
Brain or nerve problems (including posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, seizures)
Kidney problems
Thrombotic microangiopathy (damage in the smallest blood vessels), hemolytic uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination, bloody urine
Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Headache, vision changes, tremors, seizures, tingling or numbness
Increased thirst or hunger
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Skin changes or growths
Swollen glands in your armpits or groin
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
Weakness on one side of your body, confusion, clumsiness, trouble thinking clearly
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting
Joint pain or back pain
Trouble sleeping
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 6/6/2024
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
All rights reserved
A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and chrome browser.