Prograf
Prograf is a medicine that helps your body accept a new organ after a transplant by calming your immune system.
Form
kapseli, kova
Strength
1 mg
Active Ingredient
Tacrolimus
Manufacturer
Astellas Pharma a/s
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will decide your dose based on your weight and organ type. Initial doses are usually 0.075-0.30 mg per kg of body weight per day.
Method
Take this medicine twice a day, usually in the morning and evening. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal, or 2-3 hours after a meal. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water.
Important
Your doctor will adjust your dose based on blood tests. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •You may get infections more easily (like skin, mouth, stomach, lung, or urinary infections) because your immune system is weaker.
- •Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, gas, bloating, stomach ulcers, or bleeding from the stomach or mouth.
- •High blood sugar, diabetes, high potassium in the blood.
- •Trouble sleeping, shaking (tremors), headache, dizziness, tingling or numbness in hands/feet, seizures, mood changes, anxiety, or confusion.
- •High blood pressure, fast heartbeat, changes in heart's electrical activity (seen on ECG).
- •Kidney problems, less urine, or painful urination.
- •Abnormal liver test results, yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), or liver damage.
- •Fluid retention, general weakness, fever, changes in blood cell counts (red, white, platelets), low levels of magnesium, phosphate, calcium, or sodium in your blood, high uric acid or fats in your blood, loss of appetite, itching, rash, hair loss, acne, sweating, joint or muscle pain, weight gain, feeling strange temperatures, blurred vision, transplanted organ not working well.
RARE
- •Severe kidney failure (very little or no urine), extreme tiredness, yellow skin or eyes, unusual bruising or bleeding, fever, small red spots under the skin, confusion, vision loss, or seizures. These can be signs of blood vessel damage (TMA/TTP/HUS).
- •Severe blistering or peeling skin, widespread skin pain, facial swelling, hives, swollen tongue, or red/purple spreading rash (signs of serious skin reactions like toxic epidermal necrolysis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome).
- •Irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest, heart failure, enlarged heart muscle, chest pain, fainting, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, or breathing difficulties (signs of serious heart problems like Torsades de pointes).
- •Deep unconsciousness (coma), brain bleed, stroke, paralysis, speech, language, or memory problems, clouding of the eye lens, hearing loss, vision loss or blindness, severe headache, confusion, mood changes, or seizures (signs of serious brain/nerve issues like PRES or optic neuropathy).
- •Benign or cancerous growths (such as skin cancer or Kaposi's sarcoma), including new or changing skin spots, sores, or bumps.
- •Severe decrease in red blood cells, low white blood cells with fever, severe decrease in white blood cells with mouth sores and fever.
- •Sudden itchy rash (hives), swelling of hands, feet, ankles, face, lips, mouth, or throat (which can make it hard to swallow or breathe), feeling faint (signs of an allergic reaction).
- •Dehydration, low blood protein or sugar, high blood phosphate, blood clot in a limb vein, shock, breathing difficulties, respiratory diseases, asthma, bowel obstruction, high amylase levels, acid reflux, slow stomach emptying, skin inflammation with burning when exposed to sunlight, joint problems, inability to urinate, painful or irregular periods, multiple organ failure, flu-like symptoms, increased sensitivity to hot or cold, chest pressure, nervousness or unusual sensations, weight loss, increased muscle stiffness, deafness, fluid around the heart, acute shortness of breath, pancreatic cysts, liver blood flow problems, increased hair growth, thirst, falls, tightness in chest, reduced movement, wounds, muscle weakness, abnormal heart ultrasound, liver failure, narrow bile ducts, painful urination with blood, increased fatty tissue.
Important Warnings
- Do not take Prograf if you are allergic to tacrolimus, any other ingredient in this medicine, or to macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin).
- Take this medicine every day as long as your doctor tells you to. Always keep in regular contact with your doctor.
- Your doctor will do regular tests (like blood, urine, heart, eye, and nerve tests) to make sure you are on the right dose.
- Do not use herbal products like St. John's Wort, as they can change how Prograf works.
- Tell your doctor if you have liver problems, as this might affect your Prograf dose.
Show 9 more warnings
- Report severe stomach pain, chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea lasting over a day to your doctor.
- Inform your doctor if you have any changes in your heart's electrical activity (called QT prolongation).
- Protect your skin from sun and UV light with clothing and sunscreen, as Prograf increases your risk of skin cancer.
- Tell your doctor before getting any vaccinations.
- Report fever, bruising, severe tiredness, confusion, yellow skin/eyes, less urination, vision loss, or seizures immediately, as these could be signs of blood vessel damage. This risk may be higher if you take Prograf with sirolimus or everolimus.
- Avoid inhaling or touching Prograf liquid, powder, or granules with your skin or eyes. If contact happens, rinse well.
- Do not take Prograf with ciclosporin.
- Do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy, sleepy, or have trouble seeing after taking Prograf.
- If you have lactose intolerance, or a peanut/soy allergy (some capsules contain soy lecithin), tell your doctor.