Tacrolimus

U.S. Brand Names

Prograf®; Protopic®

Canadian Brand Names

Advagraf™; Prograf®; Protopic®

Mexican Brand Names

Limustin; Proalid; Prograf; Protopic

Pharmacologic Category

Immunosuppressant Agent; Topical Skin Product

What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?

You have an increased risk of getting infections. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.

Protopic®: Please read the medication guide given to you.

Reasons not to take this medicine

• Protopic®: Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years of age.

• If you have an allergy to tacrolimus or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are breast-feeding.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to prevent rejection after organ transplant.

• This medicine is used to treat diseases of the immune system.

• This medicine is used to treat skin irritation. It may take 2 weeks to see the full effect.

How does it work?

• Tacrolimus helps the body accept a transplanted organ.

• It decreases the body's harmful response to diseases affecting the immune system.

How is it best taken?

Oral:

• Take this medicine on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

• Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Follow diet plan and exercise program as recommended by healthcare provider.

Skin:

• Do not take this medicine by mouth. For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).

• Wash hands before and after use.

• Apply a thin layer to the affected skin and rub in gently.

• Wash your hands after use if hands are not part of treatment.

• Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Use a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not use a double dose or extra doses.

• Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

All forms:

• The risk of cancer is higher after using this medicine.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

Oral:

• Talk with healthcare provider before receiving any vaccinations. Use with this medicine may either increase the risk of serious infection or make the vaccination less effective.

• If you have high blood pressure, talk with healthcare provider.

• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.

• Do not take antacids, cholestyramine, or colestipol within 2 hours of this medicine.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.

Skin:

• Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area unless told to do so by healthcare provider.

• If you are receiving any form of light therapy, talk with healthcare provider.

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.

• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

Oral:

• High blood pressure.

• Worsening kidney function.

• Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.

• Headache.

• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

• Diarrhea.

• Sunburn.

Skin:

• Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.

• Flushing. Avoid alcohol.

• Headache.

• Cough.

• Skin irritation.

• Skin infection.

What should I monitor?

All forms:

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

Oral:

• Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.

• Unusual bruising or bleeding.

• Severe skin irritation.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 15:50:44.0

Modified: 2008-04-30 11:13:22.0

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