Tacrolimus
Information about Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus uses
Tacrolimus is used for prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients.
How tacrolimus works
Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant. In organ transplant patients, it works by suppressing your body’s immune response helping your body to accept the new organ as if it were your own. In allergic eye disease, it works by decreasing the production of chemicals (eg. histamine) that cause allergic eye symptoms such as inflammation (redness and swelling).
Common side effects of tacrolimus
Increased glucose level in blood, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Increased potassium level in blood, High blood pressure, Renal toxicity, Neurotoxicity, Gastrointestinal disorder, Diabetes, Infection, Decreased appetite, Electrolyte imbalance, Fluid overload, Blood cell abnormalities, Coagulation disorder, Dehydration, Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level), Decreased protein levels in blood, Psychotic disorder, Cataract, Blindness, Hypertonia (increased muscle tone), Hearing impairment, Pericardial effusion (accumulation of fluid around the heart), Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Available Medicine for Tacrolimus
Expert advice for Tacrolimus
- Tacrolimus is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.
- It may take 3 to 4 months for the medication to work. Keep taking it as prescribed.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to check the levels of blood cells in your blood. Inform your doctor if you experience unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever, or general illness.
- Your doctor may monitor your kidney function regularly. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to help with your kidney function.
- Do not stop taking Tacrolimus without talking to your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions for Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus
Q. Is Tacrolimus an antibiotic?
Yes, Tacrolimus is a type of antibiotic which belongs to a group called macrolides. It is mostly used after organ transplantation. This medicine’s immune-suppressing property helps prevent organ rejection after kidney, heart, or liver transplant.
Q. What should I be aware of before I start taking Tacrolimus?
You should be aware that this medicine can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and hence there is always an increased risk of infection. Moreover, in some cases, Tacrolimus can increase the risk of cancers like skin and lymph gland cancer (lymphoma). Hence, before starting the medication consult your doctor. Additionally, let your doctor know if you notice any symptoms of infections like fever, sweats or chills, cough or flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, warm, red or painful areas on your skin.
Q. Which vaccines should not be taken while taking Tacrolimus?
You should avoid taking any live vaccines (vaccines that use pathogens that are still alive, but are attenuated, that is, weakened) while taking Tacrolimus. These may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, BCG (TB vaccine), yellow fever, chicken pox and typhoid. You should also avoid taking polio drops (by mouth) or flu vaccine (through nose).