Tacrolimus General Information
Tacrolimus (generic name: Tacrolimus / Fujimycin; brand names: Advagraf / Protopic) is an immunosuppressant.
Since 1994, physicians and patients have relied on the protection Tacrolimus provides, and today Tacrolimus plays a vital role in the lives of kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients.
Tacrolimus is one of the most prescribed anti-rejection medications available today.
Tacrolimus is effective in preventing organ rejection in kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients.
Tacrolimus works by preventing your white blood cells from attacking your new organ.
Tacrolimus Recommendations
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Tacrolimus exactly as directed.
Your dose will be calculated according to your weight, age, and medical condition. As your health and the function of your transplanted organ can be affected by how much medicine you take, it is normal that your doctor collects samples of blood and urine at regular intervals. This is in order to test whether your medicine requires an adjustment in dose.
The total daily amount should be divided and taken in two doses (eg. morning and evening). Take the capsule from the blister pack and swallow it whole with plenty of water. Do not use grapefruit juice, grapefruit juice contains substances that interfere with the action of Tacrolimus.
Tacrolimus capsules should be taken at least 1 hour before a meal.
You must never change the dose yourself even if you are feeling better. It is very important that you keep taking this medicine so that your body will not reject your new transplanted organ.
If you forget to take a dose of Tacrolimus, take your dose (the dose you missed) as soon as you remember, and then continue taking it as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose as you would normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
Keep Tacrolimus capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Tacrolimus Precautions
Before taking Tacrolimus, tell your doctor if:
you are allergic to any medicines;
you are using oral contraceptives;
you are receiving cyclosporin immunosuppressive therapy;
you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant; or you are breast-feeding.
Tacrolimus Ingredients
Active ingredient: tacrolimus.