Tacrolimus Oral Capsule

Name: Tacrolimus Oral Capsule

Highlights for tacrolimus

TACROLIMUS (ta KROE li mus) is used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted organ.

This drug also comes in other forms, including Topical ointment, Injectable solution, Oral tablet

This drug can cause serious side effects. See which side effects you should report to your doctor right away.

Know how to use your medication, and learn what might happen if you miss a dose.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions.

Know what to watch for and get tips for reducing your risks while taking this drug.

Tacrolimus Side Effects

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • burning or tingling in the hands or feet
  • changes in vision
  • chest pain
  • confusion
  • difficulty breathing, wheezing
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
  • fever, chills or any other sign of infection
  • frequent urination
  • increased thirst or hunger
  • loss of appetite
  • pain or difficulty passing urine
  • seizures
  • severe headache

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • swelling of the feet or legs, unusual or sudden weight gain
  • tremor
  • unusually weak or tired

Tacrolimus May Interact with Other Medications

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • astemizole
  • certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
  • cidofovir
  • cisapride
  • cyclosporine
  • dofetilide
  • dronedarone
  • droperidol
  • grepafloxacin
  • pimozide
  • probucol
  • thioridazine
  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol and medicines that contain alcohol
  • amiodarone
  • antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
  • bromocriptine
  • certain antibiotics like aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, troleandomycin
  • certain calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil
  • certain medicines for fungal infections like amphotericin B, caspofungin, clotrimazole
  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
  • certain medicines for stomach problems like antacids, cimetidine, famotidine, lansoprazole, metoclopramide, omeprazole
  • certain supplements that contain schisandra sphenanthera extracts
  • cisplatin
  • danazol
  • diuretics
  • ethinyl estradiol
  • ganciclovir
  • grapefruit juice
  • nefazodone
  • other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
  • sirolimus
  • St. John's wort
  • steroid medicines like prednisone, cortisone, methylprednisone
  • vaccines
Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

How to Use tacrolimus

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. If you take the medicine with food, always take it with food. Do not take the medicine with grapefruit juice. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. You must take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • diabetes
  • heart disease or heart failure
  • high blood pressure
  • immune system problems
  • infection
  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • an unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding
What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, and call your doctor or health care professional. Call your doctor or health care professional if you vomit after a dose.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks.

If you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself. The medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections.

Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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