Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus comes in capsule form and it is used with other medications to help prevent the rejection of a kidney, heart or liver transplant. It works by weakening your body's immune system to help your body accept the new organ as if it were your own. Tacrolimus may increase your risk of developing serious infection, lymphoma, or other cancers. Common side effects may include infections, high blood pressure, low phosphate, high potassium, kidney problems, urination problems, tremors or shaking and numbness.

• Astagraf XL
• Envarsus XR
• Prograf
• Tacrolimus Novaplus

• Astagraf XL
• Atgam
• Azasan
• azaTHIOprine
• azaTHIOprine Sodium
• CellCept
• CellCept Intravenous
• cycloSPORINE
• cycloSPORINE Modified
• Enspryng
• Envarsus XR
• Everolimus
• Gamifant
• Gengraf
• Hecoria
• Imuran
• Lupkynis
• Mycophenolate Mofetil
• Mycophenolate Mofetil HCl
• Mycophenolate Sodium
• Mycophenolic Acid
• Myfortic
• Neoral
• Nulojix
• Prograf
• Rapamune
• SandIMMUNE
• Simulect
• Sirolimus
• Tacrolimus
• Thymoglobulin
• Uplizna
• Zortress

• Long Acting Tablet
• Capsule
• Long Acting Capsule
• Liquid

• By mouth

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Astagraf XL® (extended-release capsule): If you miss a dose and remember within 14 hours, take the missed dose right away. If more than 14 hours have passed since your regular time, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.Envarsus XR® (extended-release tablet): If you miss a dose and remember within 15 hours, take the missed dose right away. If more than 15 hours have passed since your regular time, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

Use only the brand of medicine your doctor prescribed. Other brands may not work the same way.

This medicine is always used together with other medicines. Make sure you understand when to take each medicine during the day.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

Immediate-release capsule: You may take this medicine with or without food, but take it the same way each time. If you take it with food, then always take it with food. Do not crush, open, or chew it.

Extended-release capsule: Take it every morning on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Extended-release tablet: Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal, at the same time every day, usually in the morning. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Granule: You may take this medicine with or without food, but take it the same way each time. If you take it with food, then always take it with food. To prepare the oral liquid:Empty the contents of the packet in a glass cup filled with 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of room temperature water and mix. Use a metal spoon to stir the mixture. Do not use plastic.Drink it right away after preparing.Refill the glass cup with the same amount of water and gently swirl to mix any remaining granules to get the full dose of this medicine.You may also use an oral syringe to give this medicine.Do not inhale the granules or let the oral liquid come in contact with your skin or eyes. If you get the granules or the oral liquid on your skin, wash the area well with soap and water. If you get them into your eyes, rinse with water.Do not save the prepared oral liquid for later use.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to tacrolimus or polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil.

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of serious infectionsIncreased risk of cancer (including skin cancer, lymphoma)DiabetesHigh blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm (including QT prolongation, torsade de pointes), heart problemsBrain or nerve problems (including posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, seizures)Kidney problemsThrombotic microangiopathy (damage in the smallest blood vessels), hemolytic uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, cystic fibrosis, or any type of infection. Tell your doctor if you are African-American or have African or Hispanic ancestry.

This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Skin changes or growths

Swollen glands in your armpits or groin

Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Weakness on one side, confusion, clumsiness, trouble thinking clearly

This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

There are many foods and drugs that can interact with tacrolimus. Tell your doctor if you are using cannabidiol. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.

Do not use this medicine together with sirolimus.

Do not use this medicine together with cyclosporine. Tacrolimus or cyclosporine should be stopped at least 24 hours before starting the other.

• Fever, chills, cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, body aches
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Swollen glands in your armpits or groin
• Increased thirst or hunger
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Headache, vision changes, tremors, seizures, tingling or numbness
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination, bloody urine
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
• Skin changes or growths
• Weakness on one side of your body, confusion, clumsiness, trouble thinking clearly
• Trouble sleeping
• Joint pain or back pain
• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting