Tacrolimus injection
What is tacrolimus injection?
TACROLIMUS (Prograf®) is a medication used to decrease the immune system response. Tacrolimus is used to reduce immune responses and prevent rejection in patients who receive organ or bone marrow transplants. Generic tacrolimus injections are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I receive tacrolimus?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- diabetes
- heart disease or heart failure
- high blood pressure
- infection
- kidney disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus, castor oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
Tacrolimus is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply.
What drug(s) may interact with tacrolimus?
- aluminum hydroxide
- amiodarone
- bosentan
- bromocriptine
- certain medicines for HIV-infection such as protease inhibitors
- cimetidine
- corticosteroids
- cyclosporine
- diltiazem
- entecavir
- erythromycin
- grapefruit juice
- medicines for diabetes
- medicines for fungal infections
- medicines for seizures
- medicines to control the heart rhythm
- metoclopramide
- pamidronate
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- St. John’s wort
- theophylline or aminophylline
- vaccines
- verapamil
- water pills (diuretics)
- ziprasidone
- zoledronic acid
Talk to your prescriber or health care professional before taking any of these medicines:
- aspirin
- acetaminophen
- ibuprofen
- ketoprofen
- naproxen
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking tacrolimus injection?
Tacrolimus therapy can produce many side effects. These mainly affect the urinary system and the nervous system. Contact your prescriber or health care professional about any unusual effects. Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
- signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
- signs of decreased red blood cells - unusual weakness or tiredness, fainting spells, lightheadedness
- blurred vision, increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
- burning or tingling in the hands or feet
- difficulty breathing, wheezing
- frequent urination
- increased thirst or hunger
- ringing in the ears
- skin rash or itching (hives)
- seizures
- stomach, back or general pain
- swelling of the feet or legs, unusual or sudden weight gain
- yellowing of skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- diarrhea or constipation
- difficulty sleeping, nightmares
- dizziness or drowsiness
- hair loss or unusual hair growth
- headache
- loss of appetite
- mood changes, depression, confusion
- muscle cramps
- nausea, vomiting
- tremor
- unusual sensitivity to touch
What should I watch for while taking tacrolimus injection?
Tacrolimus is a strong medication and can produce serious side effects. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your prescriber or health care professional before you begin taking tacrolimus. Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need to have laboratory tests to monitor your therapy with tacrolimus.
After you stop taking this medication, side effects can continue. Some side effects may not occur until years after the medicine was taken. These effects can include the development of certain types of cancer. Discuss this possibility with your prescriber or health care professional.
Tacrolimus will decrease your body’s ability to fight infections. Call your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, sore throat or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat these symptoms yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. Do not have any vaccinations without your prescriber’s approval. Avoid people who have recently received the oral polio vaccine.
Your blood sugar may increase while you are taking tacrolimus. Call your prescriber or health care professional for advice if you have any of the following symptoms: increased thirst, dry mouth, pass urine frequently, notice a fruity odor on your breath, or feel tired and lose your appetite.
Avoid taking aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen (Advil®), ketoprofen (Orudis KT®), or naproxen (Aleve®) products as these may mask a fever, unless instructed to by your prescriber or health care professional.
Where can I keep my medicine?
This does not apply. You will receive tacrolimus injection in a hospital or clinic setting and will not have to keep this medicine at home.
[ Last Revised: 6/1/2005 11:01:00 AM ]
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.
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