Compare Envarsus XR vs. Prograf
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
- Envarsus xr (tacrolimus)Tacrolimus (Prograf)
- Envarsus xr (tacrolimus)Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Summary of Envarsus XR vs. Prograf
Summary for ImmunosuppressantPrescription onlyEnvarsus XR is a once-daily version of the common anti-rejection medication, tacrolimus. It's an immunosuppressant that's used to prevent organ rejection in adults after they've had a kidney transplant. Envarsus XR (tacrolimus) is an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth. Side effects can include risk of infection, diarrhea, and shaky hands. Envarsus XR (tacrolimus) is available as a brand-name medication only; there's currently no generic version yet.
Summary for ImmunosuppressantPrescription onlyTacrolimus (Prograf) is a medication used to prevent organ rejection after an organ transplant. The immediate-release (IR) capsules are available as a lower-cost generic medication, whereas the IR granules (Prograf) and extended-release (ER) capsules (Astagraf XL) are only available as brand-name medications. Tacrolimus (Prograf) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. Your provider will check your tacrolimus level through blood work and adjust your dose if needed. Common side effects of tacrolimus (Prograf) include tremors, headache, diarrhea, and nausea.
Indications of Envarsus XR vs. Prograf
Indications forIndications forPrevention of organ transplant rejection, including:
•Kidney transplant•Lung transplant - brand name Prograf onlyPros and Cons of Envarsus XR vs. Prograf
Pros and Const for ImmunosuppressantPros•Taken once daily•Thought to help tacrolimus levels be more stable throughout the day•Adjustable dosing based on blood levels of tacrolimus, which can help lessen risk of side effectsCons•Only approved for use after kidney transplant (not for lung, liver, or heart transplant)•Must get regular blood work done to check that your Envarsus XR (tacrolimus) dose is appropriate and safe for you•Risk of serious infectionsPros and Const for ImmunosuppressantPros•Available in short-acting and long-acting forms, so there's an option to take once or twice daily•Available as granules to mix into a solution (Prograf), so it's convenient for people who have trouble swallowing•Can be used to prevent organ rejection after different types of transplant•Less likely to cause high cholesterol levels compared to other transplant medicationsCons•Need to get regular blood work to check for appropriate dose and side effects•Risk of serious infections•Can cause side effects such as tremor, headache, and diarrheaCommon Side Effects of Envarsus XR vs. Prograf
Common Side Effects for•Tremor (54%)•High blood pressure (50%)•Changes in electrolyte levels (up to 49%)•Infections (up to 45%)•Higher creatinine levels (45%)•Headache (44%)•Diarrhea (44%)•Nausea (38%)•Swelling of hands and feet (36%)•Constipation (35%)•Feeling weak (34%)•General pain (up to 33%)•Trouble sleeping (32%)•Low red blood cell count (30%)Warnings of Envarsus XR vs. Prograf
Common Side Effects for•Possible risk of cancer•Serious infections•High blood sugar•Kidney problems and high potassium levels•Problems affecting the nervous system•High blood pressure•Heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation•Blood problems•Interaction with vaccines•Interaction with other medications•Risk for fertility problems and harm to unborn babyCommon Side Effects for•Possible risk of skin or lymph node cancer•Serious infections•Higher risk of death in females taking Astagraf XL after liver transplant (not an FDA-approved use)•High blood sugar•Kidney problems•Nerve or brain problems•High blood pressure•Heart problems•Blood problems•Harm to unborn babies and lower sperm count•Interaction with vaccines•Interaction with other medicationsPrices with our coupons for Envarsus XR vs. Prograf
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