Tacrolimus brand name
- Astagraf XL
- Envarsus XR
- Hecoria
- Sandoz (formerly: Prograf)
- Precore
- Tacrolimus capsules
What is tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus is used with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting the transplanted organ. This medicine may be used with steroids, azathioprine, basiliximab, or mycophenolate mofetil. Tacrolimus belongs to a group of drugs called immunosuppressants.
When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells try to reject the transplanted organ. Tacrolimus works by suppressing the immune system, preventing white blood cells from trying to clear the transplanted organ.
Tacrolimus is a very powerful drug. It can cause very serious side effects, such as kidney problems. It may also reduce the body's ability to fight infection. You and your doctor should discuss the benefits of this medication and the risks of using it. This medicine can only be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Tacrolimus (oral) - uses, side effects, etc.
use
Tacrolimus is used with other medicines to prevent rejection of kidney, heart, liver, or lung transplants. This drug belongs to a class of drugs called immunosuppressants. It works by weakening your body's immune system and helping your body accept new organs.
How to use tacrolimus oral liquid
Read 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 with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. If you feel sick or have an upset stomach, you can take this medication with food, but this may cause your body to absorb less of the medication. However, you must choose one way (with or without food) and always take this medication the same way so that your body always absorbs the same amount. For more information, please consult your physician or pharmacist.
If you are taking capsules, swallow them whole. Do not open or crush capsules.
If you are using pellets, read the manufacturer's instructions first. When preparing or taking doses, use only non-plastic cups, spoons, or oral syringes. Do not sprinkle pellets on food. Open the prescribed number of packages, place the granules in a cup, mix with 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of room temperature water, and stir well. Drink the dose immediately. You can give the medicine using an oral syringe. Rinse the cup or syringe with an equal amount of water and drink the rinse water to ensure you take the complete dose. Do not prepare the pellet mixture ahead of time. Do not save any mixture for later use.
The dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, laboratory tests (such as tacrolimus trough levels), and response to treatment.
Tacrolimus is available in different dosage forms (such as immediate-release 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 faster, and your risk of serious side effects may be increased. Also, do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the amount of medication in your body at a constant level. Remember to take it at the same time every day.
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you can do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects from this drug. Consult your physician or pharmacist for more details.
Because this medication can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are or may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust in the capsules.
Tacrolimus (oral) side effects
See also the warning section.
Shaking, headache, diarrhea, nausea , vomiting, stomach upset, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and numbness and tingling in the hands and feet may occur.
Remember that this medication is prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes, dizziness, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine), fast heartbeat, symptoms of heart failure (such as shortness of breath), swelling of ankles/feet ( Examples include persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, stomach/abdominal pain), severe leg pain.
This drug may also increase your risk of a rare but very serious (sometimes fatal) brain infection (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy - PML). Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: clumsiness, loss of coordination, weakness, sudden changes in thinking (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating), difficulty moving muscles, speech problems, seizures, vision changes.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fainting, fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, chest/jaw/left arm pain, black stool, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
This medication may increase your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Your doctor may give you medications to control your blood pressure.
Tacrolimus may cause diabetes. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following symptoms of high blood sugar: increased thirst/hunger, frequent urination.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings and Precautions
Tacrolimus reduces the body's ability to fight infection/disease (immunosuppression). This may increase your risk of infection or certain types of cancer (eg, 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 laboratory appointments.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any of the following conditions: unusual skin changes, changes in appearance/size of moles, unusual growths/lumps, swollen glands, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, signs of infection (such as sore throat ) will not go away, fever).
Before taking tacrolimus, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide drugs (such as sirolimus); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: mineral imbalance (e.g., high potassium), kidney disease, any recent/current infection, cancer, liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes .
Tacrolimus may cause a condition that affects your heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention.
Your risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using tacrolimus, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), certain family heart problems History (prolonged QT electrocardiogram, sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you take certain medications (such as diuretics/"water pills") or experience severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using tacrolimus safely.
This drug may increase the risk of skin cancer. Limit time in the sun. Avoid using sunrooms and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Tacrolimus may make you more susceptible to infections or may make a current infection more serious. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may be easily spread (e.g., chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, influenza). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Before having any immunizations/vaccination, tell your health care professional that you are using tacrolimus. Avoid contact with people who have recently received a live vaccine (such as a flu shot inhaled through the nose).
This medication may increase your potassium levels. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation.
Because this medication can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are or may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust in the capsules.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using tacrolimus. Tacrolimus may harm an unborn baby. Men and women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control before and during treatment. If you or your partner become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor right away.
This drug passes into breast milk and the effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Please consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
drug interactions
See also the How to use section.
Drug interactions may change how medications work or increase the risk of serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: aluminum/magnesium antacids, cyclosporine, sirolimus, temsirolimus, ziprasidone, other drugs that may increase the amount of potassium in the blood, other drugs Weakened immune system/increased risk of infection.
Tacrolimus ointment - uses, side effects, etc.
use
This form of tacrolimus is used on the skin to treat a skin condition called eczema (atopic dermatitis), in people who do not respond well to other eczema medications (or should not use them). Eczema is an allergic disease that causes red, inflamed skin. and itchy skin. This medication works by weakening the skin's defense (immune) system, thereby reducing allergic reactions and relieving eczema. Tacrolimus belongs to a class of drugs called topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). For children aged 2 to 15 years, lower strength products should be used. This medication is not recommended if you have a history of a certain rare genetic disorder (Netherton syndrome). Also, people with weakened immune systems (such as after an organ transplant) should not use this drug.
Other drugs may affect the removal of tacrolimus from the body, which may affect how tacrolimus works. Examples include cimetidine, danazol, nefazodone, ethinyl estradiol, methylprednisolone, St. John's wort, azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole, vorizole), HIV protease inhibitors (such as nelfinavir), rifamycins (such as rifampicin, rifabutin), ritonavir, certain antifungal drugs. - Epilepsy drugs (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin), etc.
How to use tacrolimus ointment
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using tacrolimus and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Wash your hands with soap and water before using this medication. Apply a thin layer to affected skin areas as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Gently rub the medication into the skin thoroughly. Wash your hands after using this product unless your hands are being treated. If your doctor recommends using a moisturizer, use it after your medication.
This product is for use on skin only. Avoid getting this medication into your eyes or inside your nose or mouth. If you do apply medication to these areas, rinse with plenty of water. Do not apply this medication to open wounds or infected areas. Do not cover the treatment area with plastic or waterproof bandages unless directed by your doctor. Do not bathe, shower, or swim immediately after using this medicine. This washes it away from the treated area.
Use this medication exactly as directed. Your doctor may instruct you to stop using it after the eczema goes away and start using it again if symptoms return. Please ask your doctor for details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve after 6 weeks of using this medicine or if your condition worsens at any time.
side effect
During the first few days of treatment, the skin in the treated area may feel stinging, burning, sore, or itchy. Headaches, acne, folliculitis as small red bumps on the skin, upset stomach, flu-like symptoms, or increased skin sensitivity to heat/cold/pain/touch may also occur. If these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication is prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people who use this drug do not experience serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: unusual tiredness, back/joint/muscle pain, any skin infection or ulcer, chest pain.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings and Precautions
If tacrolimus is used correctly, patients will benefit. The long-term safety of the drug is unclear. Cancer has been rarely reported in patients taking tacrolimus. It is not known whether tacrolimus causes these cancers when used on the skin. Further studies are ongoing to determine the long-term safety of this product. In the event of unusual lumps, swollen glands, or growths (especially on the skin), contact your physician immediately.
The FDA recommends the following: This drug should be used only when other medicines are not effective or if your doctor believes that other medicines are inappropriate. Tacrolimus should only be used on the skin for short-term treatment. If necessary, the treatment can be repeated with breaks in between. Use the smallest amount that will properly treat your condition and apply only to affected skin. Additionally, this medication should not be used in children under 2 years of age. As with all medications, discuss the risks, benefits, and proper use of this medication with your doctor.
Before using tacrolimus, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide drugs (such as sirolimus); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: swollen lymph nodes (e.g., due to swollen lymph nodes, mononucleosis), use of light therapy (e.g., UVA or UVB), Skin or other cancer, skin infections (such as herpes, shingles), other skin diseases, kidney disease.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. Your face or skin may become red and feel hot. Limit alcoholic beverages.
This medication may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Limit time in the sun. Avoid using sunrooms and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburn or develop blisters/redness on your skin.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
