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Compare Myfortic vs. Prograf

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Myfortic (mycophenolic acid) and Prograf (tacrolimus) are both immunosuppressants used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant, but they have some key differences. Myfortic is specifically used for kidney transplants, while Prograf can be used for kidney, liver, heart, and lung transplants. Myfortic is available as a generic, which can make it less expensive, whereas Prograf's extended-release forms are only available as brand-name medications. Myfortic is taken twice daily on an empty stomach, while Prograf can be taken with or without food, but you need to be consistent. Common side effects of Myfortic include constipation or diarrhea and nausea, while Prograf often causes tremors and headaches. Both medications have serious risks, including infections and potential harm to unborn babies, but Prograf also has a higher risk of causing nerve problems and high blood pressure.

  • Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)
    Tacrolimus (Prograf)
  • Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic)
    Tacrolimus (Prograf)

  • Summary of Myfortic vs. Prograf

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is a transplant medication that helps prevent rejection after a kidney transplant in people 5 years and older. It's an immunosuppressant, which means that it works by weakening the immune system. Mycophenolic acid (Myfortic) is a tablet that's taken by mouth two times a day. The tablets have a special coating on them, which can help lessen gastrointestinal-related side effects such as upset stomach and diarrhea. Your transplant team might refer to the medication by its generic name, mycophenolic acid, or by its brand name, Myfortic.

    Summary for Immunosuppressant
    Prescription only

    Tacrolimus (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 Myfortic vs. Prograf

    Indications for
    •Prevention of kidney transplant rejection in people 5 years and older
    Indications for

    Prevention of organ transplant rejection, including:

    •Kidney transplant
    •Liver or heart transplant - generic tacrolimus capsule and brand name Prograf only
    •Lung transplant - brand name Prograf only

  • Pros and Cons of Myfortic vs. Prograf

    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •Possible to have less stomach upset than if you take mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
    •Approved for children age 5 years and older
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only approved for use for people who've received a kidney transplant
    •Only available as tablets that must be swallowed whole; not a good option for people with trouble swallowing pills
    •Interacts with antacids like Mylanta
    Pros and Const for Immunosuppressant
    Pros
    •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 medications
    Cons
    •Interacts with many medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and omeprazole (Prilosec)
    •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 diarrhea

  • Common Side Effects of Myfortic vs. Prograf

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (38%)
    •Nausea (29%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI, 29%)
    •Diarrhea (24%)
    •Trouble sleeping (24%)
    •Vomiting (23%)
    •Upset stomach or indigestion (23%)
    •Anemia (low red blood count, 22%)
    •Viral infection (cytomegalovirus or CMV, 20%)
    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 Myfortic vs. Prograf

    Common Side Effects for
    •Harm to unborn baby
    •Risk for cancer
    •Serious infections
    •Blood problems
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Inflammation in the body
    •Many drug interactions
    •Avoid in people with a genetic condition called hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl-transferase (HGPRT) deficiency
    •Caution when getting vaccines during treatment
    Common 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 medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Myfortic vs. Prograf

    Learn more about Mycophenolic acid
    Learn more about Tacrolimus

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