Brand Prograf

Tacrolimus is used with other medications to prevent rejection of a kidney, heart, or liver transplant. The injection form of the medication is used when you cannot take the medication by mouth. As soon possible, your doctor will switch you to the form of this medication that is taken by mouth. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new organ as if it were your own.

This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, blood test results (e.g., tacrolimus trough levels), and response to treatment. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

Before receiving tacrolimus, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other macrolide medications (e.g., sirolimus, erythromycin); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, mineral imbalances (e.g., high potassium), any recent/current infections, cancer. Tacrolimus may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that require immediate medical attention. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may affect the heart rhythm (see also Drug Interactions section). Before using tacrolimus, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using tacrolimus safely. This medication may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose. Since this medication can increase your risk of developing serious infections, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections. Avoid contact with people who have illnesses that may spread to others (e.g., flu, chickenpox). This drug may increase your potassium levels. Before using potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium, consult your doctor or pharmacist. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to establish a new dosing schedule.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: cyclosporine, drugs that increase your potassium levels (e.g., potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone, potassium supplements, ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril), drugs that may harm the kidneys (e.g., amphotericin B, cisplatin, ganciclovir, aminoglycosides such as gentamicin), mycophenolate, natalizumab, temsirolimus, sirolimus, ziprasidone. Many drugs besides tacrolimus may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Other medications can affect the removal of tacrolimus from your body, which may affect how tacrolimus works. Examples include cimetidine, danazol, bromocriptine, nefazodone, ethinyl estradiol, methylprednisolone, caspofungin, azole antifungals including itraconazole, calcium channel blockers including nifedipine, proton pump inhibitors including omeprazole/lansoprazole, HIV protease inhibitors including nelfinavir/ritonavir, rifamycins including rifampin/rifabutin, certain anti-seizure medicines including carbamazepine/phenytoin/phenobarbital, St. John's wort, among others.

See also Warning section. Shaking (tremor), headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, or tingling hands/feet may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: change in the amount of urine, seizures, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, agitation), extreme tiredness/weakness, swelling ankles/feet, fast/pounding heartbeat, muscle spasm, hearing problems (e.g., hearing loss, ringing in the ears), pain/redness/swelling at injection site or in the arms/legs, dizziness, easy bruising/bleeding, yellowing skin/eyes, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine, shortness of breath, vision changes. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, trouble breathing. Tacrolimus may cause your blood pressure to increase. You may be required to check your blood pressure periodically and/or take another medication to control your blood pressure. Tacrolimus may cause diabetes. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience 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. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.