Prograf

Prograf (Tacrolimus) is used for the prevention of rejection of transplanted organs.

How Taken

Oral Prograf is taken twice daily. Doses vary widely and are based on blood tests that measure the amount of Prograf in the body. Taking Prograf with food can reduce some of the abdominal pain that can occur with this medicine; however, food can reduce the amount of Prograf that is absorbed. This is especially true with fatty foods. Thus, Prograf is best taken without food. If it must be taken with food, it should be taken with non-fatty food

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effects may include:

• swelling in your hands or feet;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• itching skin or mild rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

How should I take Prograf?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

You may receive an injection of Prograf shortly after your transplant. Prograf injection is given around-the-clock until you are ready to take the pill form of Prograf.

The Prograf capsule is usually taken every 12 hours. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Prograf can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments. Store Prograf at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

How does Prograf work? What will it do for me?

Tacrolimus belongs to the class of medications called immunosuppressants. It is used to prevent the body's rejection of a transplanted kidney or liver. It may also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis when the usual therapies have failed to work. 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.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Warning!

• Prograf capsules should be taken on an empty stomach, or at least one hour before or two to three hours after a meal.
• This medicine may cause various side effects that could reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. These effects may be enhanced by drinking alcohol. You should make sure you are aware of your reaction to this medicine before driving or operating machinary.
• Unless your doctor or pharmacist tells you otherwise, you should avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine, as it may increase the level of this medicine in your blood and therefore increase the risk of side effects.
• This medicine can cause the amount of potassium in your bloodstream to increase. For this reason you should avoid consuming large amounts of foods that have a high potassium content, for example dried fruit, bananas, tomatoes and 'low sodium' salt, while you are taking the medicine. You should also avoid potassium supplements.