Tacrolimus is an injection that stops your body from attacking or rejecting a transplanted organ, like a heart, kidney, liver or lung. A healthcare provider will inject this medication into your vein in a hospital or clinic setting. The brand name of this medication is Prograf®.
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TACROLIMUS (ta KROE li mus) prevents the body from rejecting an organ transplant. It works by lowering the body's immune system response. This helps the body accept the donor organ. It belongs to a group of medications called immunosuppressants.
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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prograf
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
This medication is injected into a vein. It is given by a care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
This does not apply.
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This medication may also interact with the following:
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This medication may affect how other medications work, and other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects. A reliable form of contraception is recommended before starting and while taking this medication. Talk to your care team about reliable forms of contraception.
Males who take this medication must use a condom during sex. Tell your care team right away if your partner becomes pregnant while you are taking this medication.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medication.
This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
This medication may increase blood sugar. The risk may be higher in patients who already have diabetes. Ask your care team what you can do to lower your risk of diabetes while taking this medication.
Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide a fever.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.