Prograf

Common Name: tacrolimus capsules

How does Prograf work?

Tacrolimus belongs to the class of medications called immunosuppressants. It is used to prevent the body's rejection of a transplanted kidney or liver. Tacrolimus works by lowering the activity of white blood cells in the body (the cells that attack substances foreign to the body). Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

How should I use Prograf?

The dose of tacrolimus varies according to circumstances and will be determined by your doctor. If you are unable to take capsules, the medication may be delivered by slow injection into a vein in the hospital. You should try to take your doses of tacrolimus at the same time every day. The doses should be spaced as evenly throughout the day as possible. Ask your transplant nurse or pharmacist about a dosing schedule that best fits your lifestyle. Tacrolimus may be taken with or without food, but it is best to be consistent. Tacrolimus should not be taken with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. The capsules should be swallowed whole and not cut, crushed, or chewed. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor. If even a few doses of tacrolimus are missed, your body may reject your transplanted organ. If you miss a dose of tacrolimus, do not try to catch up on your own, but call your doctor or pharmacist right away for advice. It is also a good idea to ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do about missed doses. Be sure to order your medication refills well ahead of time. Tacrolimus is often given with other medications. Make sure you know if you are to stop or continue other immunosuppressive medications you have been taking.

What form(s) does Prograf come in?

Prograf® capsules are available in strengths of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 5 mg. 0.5 mg: Each oblong, light yellow capsule, marked in red with "0.5 mg" on the cap and "607" on the body, contains tacrolimus 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, and magnesium stearate; capsule shell: ferric oxide, gelatin, and titanium dioxide. 1.0 mg: Each oblong, white capsule, marked in red with "1 mg" on the cap and "617" on the body, contains tacrolimus 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, and magnesium stearate; capsule shell: gelatin and titanium dioxide. 5.0 mg: Each oblong, greyish-and-red capsule, marked in white with "5 mg" on the cap and "657" on the body, contains tacrolimus 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, and magnesium stearate; capsule shell: ferric oxide, gelatin and titanium dioxide.

What should I NOT take with Prograf?

This medication should not be used by anyone allergic to tacrolimus or to any of the ingredients of the medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Prograf?

Blood pressure: Tacrolimus treatment commonly causes mild to moderate increases in blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure, and inform your doctor if there is an indication that your blood pressure is rising. Blood sugar: High blood sugar has been associated with the use of tacrolimus. Your doctor will help to monitor this, but be sure to report any signs of high blood sugar (e.g., increased thirst, urination, unusual tiredness) to your doctor. High potassium levels in the blood: Tacrolimus may cause an increase in potassium levels in the blood. Some foods (e.g., bananas or orange juice) and medications may increase the risk of this problem. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications you are taking (including non-prescription medications) and to talk to them about potassium-rich foods. Infections: Tacrolimus reduces resistance to infections and may delay healing. Precautions should be taken to prevent exposure to circumstances that increase risk of infection (e.g., dental work). Kidneys: Tacrolimus may affect kidney function. Your doctor will follow your kidney function through laboratory tests while you are taking this medication. Be sure to report to your doctor immediately any changes in kidney function such as appearance of urine, frequency of urination, and amount of urine produced. Nerves: Tacrolimus may affect nerve function and cause symptoms such as tremor and headache. Be sure to report any changes to your doctor at once. Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been conducted on the use of tacrolimus by pregnant women. However, the use of tacrolimus during pregnancy has been associated with high blood potassium levels and kidney problems in the newborn. Tacrolimus should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. Breast-feeding: Tacrolimus may pass from the blood into breast milk. A decision should be made to stop nursing or stop taking the medication, taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother.