Drug Name

Prograf (Tacrolimus)

Drug Uses

Prograf is used for the prevention of rejection of transplanted organs.

How Taken

Oral Prograf is used twice daily. Doses vary widely as well as are based on blood tests that measure the amount of Prograf in the body. Using Prograf with food can reduce some of the abdominal pain that can occur with this medicine; but, food can reduce the amount of Prograf that is absorbed. This is especially real with fatty foods. Thus, Prograf is best used without food. Incase it must be used with food, it should be used with non-fatty food.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Prograf is a drug that suppresses the immune system as well as is used to halt rejection of transplanted organs. Prograf accomplishes its immune-suppressing effecting by inhibiting an enzyme (calcineurin) crucial for the multiplication of T-cells, cells that are vital to the immune process. The take of oral Prograf allows transplantation specialists to reduce the dose of steroids which are as well as used to halt rejection. This "steroid-sparing effect" is substantial because of the many side effects that can occur when larger doses of steroids are used for a extended period of time. Prograf was approved by the FDA in April, 1994 for liver transplantation as well as as well as has been used in patients for heart, kidney, tiny bowel, as well as bone marrow transplantation.

Missed Dose

Take this medication as directed. Incase you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it incase it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose as well as resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store this medication at room temperature between 59 as well as 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat as well as light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this as well as all medications out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Prograf may leave you less capable to fight infection as well as could as well as cause tumors. This medication must be used in an appropriate setting. Notify your doctor immediately incase you develop signs of infection (such as persistent sore throat or fever), or unusual growths. Tell your doctor incase you have: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, any allergies. This medication is not recommended for take incase you possess the following health examination conditions: heart disease (e.g., QT prolongation). This medication is not recommended for take during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks as well as benefits with your doctor.

Likely Side Effects

Prograf is associated with many as well as various side effects. These include baldness (which can occur in 1 in 5 patients who take it), anemia (1 in 2), loss of appetite (1 in 3), diarrhea (3 of 4), high concentrations of potassium in the blood (1 in 2), high blood pressure (1 in 2), nausea (1 in 2), vomiting (1 in 4), tingling sensation in the extremities (2 in 5), itching (1 in 3), tremor (1 in 2), fever (1 in 2), headache (2 in 3), rash (1 in 4), high blood sugar concentrations (between 1 in 3 as well as 1 in 2), as well as abdominal pain (1in 4). Other side effects may include confusion, painful joints, increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, insomnia, infection, jaundice (yellowing of the skin due to effects on the liver), kidney injury, swollen ankles, as well as seizures.

More Information

Laboratory tests will be done frequently while using this medication to monitor the effects as well as halt side effects.