Class of medication: Immunosuppressant, calcineurin inhibitor
Uses:
Prevention of organ transplant rejection (liver, kidney, heart, or other transplants).
Control of the body’s immune response to enable acceptance of the transplanted organ.
Important information:
Do not take if you are allergic to tacrolimus or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have or had liver or heart disease before starting treatment.
Notify your physician immediately if you develop fever, bruising under the skin, unexplained tiredness, confusion, yellowing of the skin or eyes, reduced urine output, vision loss, and seizures after taking this medicine.
Limit exposure to sunlight and UV light while consuming Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule by wearing appropriate protective clothing and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products.
Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
How to consume:
Always take Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not open, break, crush, or chew the capsules.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.
Take these capsules on an empty stomach or at least 1 hour before or 2 to 3 hours after the meal.
If you miss a dosage, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missing dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Safety advices:
Pregnancy: Inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting pregnancy, or planning to get pregnant before initiating the treatment.
Breast feeding: Do not consume Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule if you are breastfeeding.
Lungs: Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver: Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule should be cautiously administered in patients with severe liver diseases. Dose adjustments are necessary for severe liver failure.
Alcohol: It is unsafe to consume alcohol when taking Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule.
Driving: Driving vehicles or operating machinery while taking Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule is unsafe.
Side effects:
Common: Swelling in the arm or leg, hair loss, itchy skin, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, anemia, headache, cough.
Serious: Increased or decreased heartbeats, GI bleeding, liver injury, seizure, acute kidney failure, lung infection or respiratory problems.
Word of advice:
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
This medicine may interfere with the vaccine. Ask your healthcare professional before getting a flu shot or other vaccines.
You must take this medicine as a long-term treatment to prevent rejection of your transplanted organ. Do not stop taking this medicine without informing your doctor.
Your doctor may advise you to take certain tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of the therapy. Keep all your appointments regularly.
FAQs:
What if I missed a dose of Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule?
Try to take it as soon as possible, you remember. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the forgotten dose.
What should you not use with Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule?
Avoid taking mycophenolic acid-containing products, nelfinavir, sirolimus, cyclosporine, antibiotics, and antiviral medications. Inform your healthcare provider about any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, or vitamin or herbal supplements you have taken before the treatment.
How long do I need to take Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule after a transplant?
The duration of Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule treatment after a transplant can vary depending on various factors, including the type of organ transplant and the individual’s response to the medication. In most cases, Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule is taken long-term to prevent organ rejection, but the healthcare professional will determine the specific duration.
Can Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule increase the risk of infections?
Yes, Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule can suppress the immune system, which may increase the risk of infections. It is important to take precautions to minimize the risk of infections, such as practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick, and getting recommended vaccinations.
Can Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule affect kidney function?
Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule must be cautiously administered in patients with kidney diseases because it can potentially affect kidney function. Regular monitoring of kidney function through blood tests is typically done to detect any changes or potential complications. Inform your physician if you have kidney problems before initiating the therapy.
Should I follow any dietary restrictions while taking Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule?
Tacrograf 0.5mg Capsule can interact with certain foods and beverages, particularly grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which may increase the levels of this medicine in the blood. Discussing dietary restrictions and potential interactions with your healthcare provider is important.
