MedlinePlus Drug Information: Tacrolimus

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Tacrolimus

(ta kroe' li mus)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?	What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names Other names

IMPORTANT WARNING: Return to top

Tacrolimus increases your risk of getting infections. Avoid people with contagious diseases, such as the flu and colds. Keep cuts and scratches clean. Use good personal hygiene, especially for your mouth, teeth, skin, hair, and hands. Tacrolimus also may increase your risk of getting certain types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about this risk.

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Tacrolimus is used to prevent rejection of liver transplants. Sometimes it is used to prevent rejection of other types of transplants.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Tacrolimus comes as a capsule to take by mouth and in an injectable form. It usually is taken twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tacrolimus exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take tacrolimus even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tacrolimus without talking to your doctor. You will probably take tacrolimus for a long time.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking tacrolimus,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tacrolimus or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), bromocriptine (Parlodel), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cimetidine (Tagamet), cisapride (Propulsid), clarithromycin (Biaxin), clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), danazol (Danocrine), diltiazem (Cardizem), erythromycin (E-Mycin), fluconazole (Diflucan), ganciclovir (Cytovene), HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), methylprednisolone (Medrol), metoclopramide (Reglan), nefazodone (Serzone), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), omeprazole (Prilosec), oral contraceptives (birth control pills), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene-containing drugs (Dyazide, Dyrenium, Maxzide), troleandomycin (Tao), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), and vitamins. Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking tacrolimus.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort and products containing St. John's Wort.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease or diabetes.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tacrolimus, call your doctor.
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tacrolimus.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking tacrolimus.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Tacrolimus may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

diarrhea
upset stomach
vomiting
stomach pain
loss of appetite
insomnia

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

fever
sore throat
chills
frequent or painful urination
decreased urination
severe or continued headaches
swelling of the feet, ankles, lower legs, and hands
weight gain
tremor
weakness
unusual bleeding or bruising
skin rash
itching
hives
difficulty breathing
wheezing
yellowing of the skin or eyes
seizures

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to tacrolimus and do blood tests to see how your liver and kidneys are working.

Tacrolimus can raise your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about checking your blood pressure regularly.

Before receiving any vaccinations, tell your doctor that you are taking tacrolimus.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Prograf®

Other names Return to top

FK 506

Last Revised - 04/01/2007
Last Reviewed - 08/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer