Why is Prograf prescribed?

Tacrolimus (Prograf) is prescribed to people who have undergone a kidney, liver or heart transplant. Tacrolimus is given alongside other medications to prevent organ rejection during the transplant.

What does it do?

During an organ transplant, doctors will replace your organ with a new one coming from a donor. Rejection occurs when the immune system recognizes the new organ as a foreign object and attacks it.

How should I take it?

Prograf is available in 0.5mg, 1mg, and 5mg capsules intended for oral administration. It should be taken with a full glass of water at the same time every day. Swallow the capsule as a whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule.

You make take Prograf with or without food. You should take it in the same manner every day. If you decide to take it with food during your first dose, you should always take the following doses with food.

Take Prograf exactly as your doctor instructed. Do not make alterations in the dosage or frequency of taking the medication. Your doctor will determine if you will need adjustments in your dosage.

Prograf comes in multiple dosage forms, which are taken in different ways. Each dosage form releases the drug differently and should not be used interchangeably. To prevent medication errors, only take the dosage form prescribed by your doctor.

Prograf can only prevent organ rejection if you take it as prescribed. Continue taking it even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Prograf without consulting your doctor.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for any concerns you may have when taking Prograf.

What if I missed a dose?

Taking the dose properly at the scheduled time is needed to attain the desired effect of the drug. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and catch the next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses just to make up for your missed dose.

What are the special precautions before using Prograf?

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Tacrolimus, hydrogenated castor oil, any component of Prograf, or any other medications.

If you are taking or have recently stopped taking Cyclosporine, inform your doctor. Your doctor may decide to delay your start of treatment with Tacrolimus.

Inform your doctor if you have or ever had QT syndrome (inherited condition), heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, high cholesterol in your blood, irregular heartbeats, low potassium, calcium, or magnesium levels in your blood.

Tacrolimus may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light (tanning booths and sunlamps). Apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing when going outdoors.

For the drug label information of Prograf, click here.

Does it have any side effects?

It is important to note that all drugs have corresponding side effects and adverse reactions. Additional information may be obtained when you ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects include:
• Abdominal pain
• Anemia
• Breathing problems
• Constipation
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Infections
• Insomnia
• Swelling in your hands or legs
• Tremors

Serious side effects include:
• Behavior changes
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Fast heartbeats
• Headaches
• High blood sugar levels
• High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• High potassium levels
• Infections
• Pain or swelling near your transplanted organ
• Seizure
• Vision changes

Is it safe to use it with another drug?

Some drug interactions may cause life-threatening reactions when taken with other medications. Immediately inform your doctor if you are taking Prograf with any of the following medications:

• Altace
• Amikacin
• Amphotericin B
• Atacand
• Azilsartan
• Biaxin
• Captopril
• Cardizem
• Chloramphenicol
• Clotrimazole
• Cordarone
• Cozaar
• Diflucan
• Dilantin
• Enalapril
• Erythromycin
• Fosinopril
• Gentamycin
• Indinavir
• Isoptin
• Lotensin
• Methylprednisolone
• Metoclopramide
• Micardis
• Neomycin
• Nicardipine
• Nizoral
• Perindopril
• Procardia
• Quinapril
• Rapamune
• Ritonavir
• Sporanox
• Streptomycin
• Tegretol
• Toleandromycin
• Trandolapril
• Univasc
• Vfend
• Zestril

Tacrolimus interacts with grapefruit, grapefruit juice, and herbal products such as St. John’s wort. Do not consume these products with Tacrolimus.

Tell your doctor of any prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to prevent interactions with these medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for other possible interactions not listed within this section.

How should I store it?

Store Prograf at room temperature (20-25°C) in a clean environment away from light and moisture. Do not keep it in the bathroom. Always keep it in the container it came in and keep it tightly closed. Keep out of reach from children and pets. Throw away unused or expired medications. Do not flush it in the toilet or down the sink. Consult your pharmacist on the proper disposal of this medication.

What action should I take in case of overdose?

Some symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Rashes
• Feeling sleepy
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Tremors
• Headache
• Confusion
• Imbalance
• Fatigue
• Swelling of the arms or legs
• Fever or signs of infection

In the event of an overdose, inform your doctor and seek immediate medical attention.

Is it safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Taking Tacrolimus during pregnancy can cause harm to the fetus and the use of the drug during pregnancy is not recommended. You and your partner should discuss with your doctor about reliable methods of birth control to prevent an unplanned pregnancy during treatment with Tacrolimus. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Tacrolimus.

Tacrolimus may also cause an increase in blood sugar levels in pregnant women with diabetes. Blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly. Tacrolimus also worsens hypertension during pregnancy and increases the incidence of pre-eclampsia. Blood pressure should also be monitored regularly.

Tacrolimus is present in human milk. However, the effects of the drug in breastfed infants have not yet been assessed. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding an infant.

The use of Tacrolimus in pregnant and breastfeeding women should be avoided unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.

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