Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines which are known as immunosuppressants. Thus, the drugs effectively weakens the immune system in order to make it easier for the body to adjust itself with the new organ that has been transplanted. The transplanted organ may be a heart, kidney or even liver.

Tacrolimus can be taken orally either with a meal or without. Although it is best advised that the medicine is taken without food, patients who suffer from nausea and experience stomach problems can take it along with a meal. But in this case, the body absorbs a smaller amount of the drug. However, your choice of taking the medicine should be constant. Do not take the drug without meal on some occasions and with meal on others. This will greatly affects the amount of medicine the body takes in at a time.

The dosage of the medicine generally depends on the weight of the patient, his health, results of the blood tests done and the body’s response to the treatment. Before you discontinue with Tacrolimus seek your doctor’s advice.

Side effects are a part and parcel of taking medicine. Some side effects are temporary and disappear with time, whereas other can be more severe results in major complications. Tacrolimus results in some minor side effects which include appetite loss, headache, problems with sleep, diarrhea and a tingling sensation in the hands and the feet.

A few major side effects include kidney problems, irregular heartbeat, dizziness and severe pain in the stomach. There is also a rare chance that a patient may develop a brain infection, which can result in severe complications. Thus, if you experience symptoms like excessive weakness, problems with concentration and thinking, problems with muscle mobility, seizure and vision issues, seek medical help immediately.

Take as directed, preferably 30 minutes hour before or 30 minutes after meals. Do not take within 2 hours before or after antacids. Do not alter dose and do not discontinue without consulting prescriber.

Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake) during entire course of therapy. You will be susceptible to infection (avoid crowds and people with infections or contagious diseases).

You may experience nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite (frequent small meals, frequent mouth care may help); diarrhea (boiled milk, yogurt, or buttermilk may help); constipation (increased exercise or dietary fruit, fluid, or fiber may help, if not consult prescriber); muscle or back pain (mild analgesics may be recommended).

Report chest pain; acute headache or dizziness; symptoms of respiratory infection, cough, or difficulty breathing; unresolved gastrointestinal effects; fatigue, chills, fever, unhealed sores, white plaques in mouth, irritation in genital area; unusual bruising or bleeding; pain or irritation on urination or change in urinary patterns; rash or skin irritation; or other unusual effects related to this medication.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

• Organ Transplantation

  Tacrolimus is used to reduce the immune response of the body in organ transplant patients.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

  Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Tacrolimus.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

• Hypertension

• Peripheral Edema

• Headache

• Insomnia

• Pain

• Fever

• Pruritus

• Hyperglycemia

• Hypomagnesemia

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Anorexia

• Vomiting

• Abdominal Pain

• Back Pain

• Weakness

• Rash

• Constipation

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 4 days for an immediate release tablet and 3 to 5 days for an extended release tablet.

• What is the onset of action?

  The effect of this medication can be observed in 0.5 to 6 hours.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women unless necessary. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendencies were reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is known to excreted in breast milk. It is not recommended in breastfeeding women unless necessary. The benefits and risks should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  It is unsafe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  This medicine might affect the alertness of the patient. Thus patient must avoid driving while taking this medicine.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patient with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patient with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  If you miss a dose of Tacrolimus, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Tacrolimus as ingredient

• Tacronex 0.1% Solution

  Inex Medicaments Pvt Ltd

• Tacroz 0.1% Ointment

  Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Olmis 0.01% Ointment

  Unichem Laboratories Ltd

• Takfa Forte Ointment

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Topgraf 0.03% Ointment

  Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Takfa 5 MG Capsule

  Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Tacrovate 0.03% Ointment

  Ochoa Laboratories Ltd

• Tacvido Forte 0.1% Ointment

  Mohrish Pharmaceuticals

• Tacmod 0.1% Cream

  La Pristine Bioceuticals Pvt Ltd

• Vingraf 5 MG Capsule

  Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

This medication works by obstructing the action of Calcineurin, a substance found in the white blood cells known as T-lymphocytes. This averts the T-lymphocytes from producing lymphokines, in case a foreign particle is detected in the body.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Allergist/Immunologist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Medicine

  • Increased effect: Cyclosporine is associated with synergistic immunosuppression and increased nephrotoxicity.
  • Increased toxicity: Nephrotoxic antibiotics, NSAIDs and amphotericin B potentially increase nephrotoxicity.
  • Drugs which may INCREASE tacrolimus blood levels:
  • Calcium channel blockers: Diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil.
  • Antibiotic/antifungal agents: Clotrimazole, erythromycin, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole.
  • Other drugs: Bromocriptine, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine, danazol, methylprednisolone, metoclopramide, grapefruit juice.
  • Drugs which may DECREASE tacrolimus blood levels:
  • Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin.
  • Antibiotics: Rifabutin, rifampin

• Interaction with Food

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Disease

  Increased susceptibility to infection and the possible development of lymphoma may occur after administration of tacrolimus; it should not be administered simultaneously with cyclosporine; since the pharmacokinetics show great inter- and intrapatient variability over time, monitoring of serum concentrations (trough for oral therapy) is essential to prevent organ rejection and reduce drug-related toxicity; tonic clonic seizures may have been triggered by tacrolimus. Injection contains small volume of ethanol.

• Ques : What is Tacrolimus?

  Ans : Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines which are known as immunosuppressants. Thus, the drugs effectively weaken the immune system in order to make it easier for the body to adjust itself with the new organ that has been transplanted.

• Ques : What are the uses of Tacrolimus?

  Ans : Tacrolimus used for the treatment of Organ Transplantation.

• Ques : What are the side effects of Tacrolimus?

  Ans : Tacrolimus results in some minor side effects which include appetite loss, headache, problems with sleep, diarrhea and a tingling sensation in the hands and the feet.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Tacrolimus before I see improvement in my condition?

  Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

• Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Tacrolimus?

  Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

• Ques : Should I use Tacrolimus empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

• Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Tacrolimus?

  Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

• Ques : How is this Tacrolimus administered?

  Ans : This medication is administered orally.

• Tacrolimus-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/tacrolimus

• Tacrolimus-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00864

• TACROLIMUS Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 2 June 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=TACROLIMUS