tacrolimus
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.
What is Tacrolimus (Prograf)?
What is Tacrolimus (Prograf) used 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
How Tacrolimus (Prograf) works
Tacrolimus (Prograf) is a calcineurin inhibitor. It works as an immunosuppressant, which lowers the activity of your immune system. You need a weakened immune system after receiving an organ transplant so your body doesn't reject the new organ.
Drug Facts
More on Tacrolimus (Prograf) essentials
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What are the side effects of Tacrolimus (Prograf)?
Common Side Effects
- 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%)
Other Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Indigestion
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Prickling sensation
- Trouble catching your breath
Serious Side Effects
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, trouble breathing, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Serious infections: fever, cough, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches
- Low blood cell counts: bleeding that's difficult to stop, vomiting blood, blood in the urine or stool, "coffee-ground" stool
- Heart attack: chest pain, stomach discomfort, sweating, nausea, dizziness
- Stroke: sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, confusion, trouble seeing, headache, difficulty walking
- Sudden kidney injury: feeling sick or weak, dehydration, urinating less than usual, confusion, blood in urine, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Nerve problems: seizures, tremors, headache, dizziness, pins sensation
Source:Â DailyMed
More on Tacrolimus (Prograf) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Agitation
black, tarry stools
bloody urine
burning or stinging sensation of the face
change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole
coma
confusion
convulsions
decreased frequency or amount of urine
general feeling of illness
growth or bump on skin
hostility
increase in bone pain
increased blood pressure
increased thirst
irritability
lethargy
looks very ill
loss of appetite
loss of bladder control
lower back or side pain
mole that leaks fluid or bleeds
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
muscle twitching
new mole
rapid weight gain
red rash with watery, yellow-colored, or pus filled blisters
redness of the face
seizures
small, red skin lesion, growth, or bump usually on the face, ears, neck, hands, or arms
sore that will not heal
spider-like blood vessels on the face
stupor
sudden loss of consciousness
swelling of the face, ankles, lower legs, hands, or fingers
swollen glands
thick, yellow to honey-colored crusts
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
yellow skin and eyes
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
general aches and pains
headache
itching skin—in children
loss of appetite
skin burning
skin flushing in areas of ointment application when drinking alcohol
weakness
Less common
Acid or sour stomach
back pain
belching
burning, itching, or pain in hairy areas
chills
cyst
flushing
increased sensitivity to sunlight
increased skin sensitivity
indigestion
itching eyes
joint pain
muscle aches or pain
pain in the eye
pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
pus at root of the hair
rash
redness in the eye
severe skin rash or hives
skin blisters—in children
skin tingling
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
swollen glands
tightness of the chest
troubled breathing or wheezing
watery eyes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Tacrolimus (Prograf)
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
Pharmacist tips for Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Different formulations of tacrolimus have different directions and age cut-offs. If you (or your child) are just starting or switching to a different formulation of tacrolimus, double check with your provider that the formulation, dose, and directions are appropriate. Don't switch from one formulation to another without your provider's instructions since it can lead to dangerous side effects.
Take tacrolimus (Prograf) and other transplant medications at the same time each day. This lowers the risk of side effects and makes sure the medications are working for you.
Swallow tacrolimus (Prograf) capsules and tablets whole. Don’t cut, crush, or chew them. If you have trouble swallowing, ask your provider about using the Prograf oral granules.
Don't drink juices containing grapefruit or Seville oranges (also called bitter or sour oranges) during treatment with tacrolimus (Prograf). Doing so can cause the body to absorb more of this medication, causing greater risk of side effects, such as tremors, headache, or chest palpitations.
Tacrolimus (Prograf) can interact with many medications. Let your provider or pharmacist know what medications you're taking, including over-the-counter products and supplements, before you start tacrolimus (Prograf). Talk with your provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about interactions with this medication.
Avoid live vaccines, such as the nasal spray flu vaccine, while you're using tacrolimus (Prograf). Doing so can raise your risk of infection from the vaccine. Before your transplant, talk with your provider or pharmacist about your vaccination history so they can schedule the appropriate vaccines for you.
Tacrolimus (Prograf) can raise your risk of certain skin cancers. To lower your risk, make sure to limit or avoid sun exposure during treatment. Wear protective clothing when outside, even on overcast days.
Generic IR tacrolimus and Prograf
Take tacrolimus (Prograf) at the same time twice a day, 12 hours apart.
You can take tacrolimus (Prograf) with or without food, but make sure to be consistent every day about how you take it (e.g., either always take it with food, or always take it without food). This will help make sure your tacrolimus levels in your body stay steady.
How to take Prograf oral granules: Pour the prescribed amount of granules into a glass cup, then add 15 mL to 30 mL of room temperature water. Gently stir the mixture with a metal spoon, keep in mind that the granules don't dissolve. Drink the mixture right after preparing. Refill the glass cup with the same amount of water and drink it again to help you swallow all the medication.
Astagraf XL
Take Astagraf XL at the same time each morning. Typically, you should take either formulation on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
If you miss your dose, take your missed dose as soon as possible. If it's been more than 14 hours for Astagraf XL, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your normally scheduled time.
Frequently asked questions about Tacrolimus (Prograf)
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What are the risks and warnings for Tacrolimus (Prograf)?
Tacrolimus (Prograf) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Possible risk of skin or lymph node cancer
Risk factor: Taking high dose of immunosuppressant | Taking immunosuppressant for a long time | History of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection | History of skin cancer
People taking immunosuppressants, including tacrolimus (Prograf), are at higher risk of certain blood or skin cancers. The risk is higher if you take immunosuppressants for a longer period of time. If you had a history of skin cancer or have been told that you're at higher risk of skin cancer, make sure to limit or avoid sun exposure during treatment with tacrolimus (Prograf). Wear protective clothing or sunscreen when outside, even on overcast days. Examine your skin regularly for unusual-looking markings or spots.
In some rare cases, people who had a transplant can develop post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which is a condition that causes your white blood cells to multiply too quickly. This can lead to lymphoma (lymph node cancer). The risk is higher for people who had a history of mono. Let your provider know immediately if you have symptoms of skin or lymph node cancers, such as abnormal skin growth, swollen lymph nodes, belly pain, fever, or persistent fatigue.
Serious infections
Risk factor: Taking immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressants, such as tacrolimus (Prograf), can lower your ability to fight infections. Serious infections, including kidney infections, mono, liver infections, or brain infections, have been reported by people taking this medication. Your provider will monitor you for signs and symptoms of infection before and during treatment to make sure tacrolimus (Prograf) is safe for you. Let your provider know if you have developed an infection while taking this medication. Watch out for symptoms of fever, chills, sweat, belly pain, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or general weakness.
Higher risk of death in females taking Astagraf XL after liver transplant (not an FDA-approved use)
One study found that females who took Astagraf XL after a liver transplant were at higher risk of sudden death than those taking tacrolimus (Prograf) IR. Keep in mind that Astagraf XL is only FDA-approved for kidney transplant and shouldn't be used for other indications unless directed by your provider.
High blood sugar
Risk factors: African-American descent | Hispanic descent
Taking tacrolimus (Prograf) after a kidney, liver, or heart transplant can sometimes raise your blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar isn't well-controlled, this can lead to diabetes. Let your provider know if you have symptoms like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit. Your provider might ask you to check your blood sugar regularly to make sure this medication is safe for you.
Kidney problems
Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Taking other medications that can cause kidney problems
People taking tacrolimus (Prograf) can sometimes experience sudden or ongoing kidney problems. These problems can raise your potassium levels or uric acid levels, which can lead to serious heart palpitations, gout or kidney stone. You’ll need to get lab work done regularly while you take tacrolimus (Prograf) so your provider can make sure this medication is safe for you. If you or your child experiences belly pain, chest pain, or are urinating less often, talk with your provider right away. You might need to stop or lower the dose of tacrolimus (Prograf) for a short period of time to prevent kidney problems.
Nerve or brain problems
Risk factor: Taking tacrolimus (Prograf) at a higher dose
Tacrolimus (Prograf) can cause different nerve problems, including tremors and headache. It can also make it harder for you to concentrate or remember things. In some serious cases, taking tacrolimus (Prograf) can lead to delirium, seizure, and coma. While you're taking this medication, let your provider know if you notice any changes in mood, problems with speech, or trouble with movement. Make sure to get blood work done regularly so your provider can make sure this medication is safe for you.
High blood pressure
Risk factor: History of high blood pressure
Tacrolimus (Prograf) can raise your blood pressure by causing your body to hold onto more salt and water. This can lead to new or worsen existing blood pressure problems. You're recommended to check your blood pressure regularly while using tacrolimus (Prograf). In some cases, your provider might ask you to take medications to lower your blood pressure. Note that certain blood pressure medications, such as lisinopril (Zestril) and diltiazem (Cardizem), can raise your potassium levels or cause more sides effects with tacrolimus (Prograf). For that reason, always let your provider know what medications you're taking during treatment with tacrolimus (Prograf).
Heart problems
Risk factors: Taking medications that affect heart rhythm | History of heart problems (e.g., slow heart rate, heart failure) | Low electrolyte levels | High dose of tacrolimus (Prograf)
Tacrolimus (Prograf) can affect your heart rhythm, which can be serious and life-threatening. One example includes lengthening the time period from when the heart pumps and then relaxes. This is known as QT prolongation. Your risk for QT prolongation is higher if you're taking other medications, such as amiodarone (Pacerone), that cause similar problems. As a result, your provider will monitor your heart rhythm with an electrocardiogram (EKG) and your blood work during treatment with tacrolimus (Prograf). If you feel your chest pounding, have breathing problems, have chest pain, or feel faint or lightheaded while taking tacrolimus (Prograf), call 911 right away.
Additionally, tacrolimus (Prograf) can also cause your heart muscle to thicken, which can make it harder for your heart to pump blood. If you've symptoms of chest pain, trouble breathing, tiredness, or lightheadedness, let your provider know right away.
Blood problems
Risk factors: History of parvovirus B19 infection | Blood diseases | Taking medications that can lower red blood cell counts
In some rare cases, people who take tacrolimus (Prograf) can develop serious blood problems, which can lower red blood cell (RBC) count and platelet count. This can put you at higher risk for bleeds or anemia. Let your provider know right away if you experience symptoms of abnormal bruising, extreme tiredness, chest palpitations, and dizziness.
In addition, people who take tacrolimus (Prograf) can develop small blood clots that can prevent blood flow to your organs, including your brain, kidneys, and heart. This can raise your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. If you have heart problems, talk to your healthcare provider before starting this medication. Call 911 or get immediate medical help if you experience chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of your body, or trouble speaking or walking.
Harm to unborn babies and lower sperm count
Taking tacrolimus (Prograf) during pregnancy might raise the risk for birth defects as well as low birth weight. Because of this potential risk, this medication shouldn't be taken during pregnancy. If you're able to have a child, your provider will discuss with you about birth control options during your treatment. If you become pregnant while taking tacrolimus (Prograf), you’re encouraged to enroll in the Transplantation Pregnancy Registry. This registry collects information about your and your baby’s health during treatment with transplant medications. Learn more about this registry by calling 1-877-955-6877.
In addition, males taking tacrolimus (Prograf) can experience lower sperm counts. Make sure to discuss family planning with your transplant provider to find the best anti-rejection options for you.
Interaction with vaccines
Risk factor: Receiving live vaccines
Immunosuppressants, like tacrolimus (Prograf), can affect the immune system, which makes vaccines (e.g., pneumococcal vaccines) not work as well. In particular, tacrolimus (Prograf) can raise the risk of infections after receiving live vaccines. While taking this medication, avoid getting any live vaccines, such as MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine). Before your transplant, talk with a provider or pharmacist about your vaccine history to make sure all vaccines are up to date.
Interaction with other medications
Some medications can interfere with how your body gets rid of tacrolimus (Prograf). This can affect the amount of tacrolimus (Prograf) in your body, how well it works, and the risk of side effects.
Taking medications like ketoconazole and itraconazole (Sporanox) can raise the amount of tacrolimus (Prograf) in your body. Your dose of tacrolimus (Prograf) might need to be lowered to prevent side effects, such as tremors, confusion, headache, and abnormal heart rhythm. Typically your provider will monitor you within 1 to 3 days of starting the medication with tacrolimus (Prograf).
Taking certain medications, like rifampin (Rifadin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol), can lower the amount of tacrolimus (Prograf) in your body and put you at risk for organ rejection. Your provider might raise your dose of tacrolimus (Prograf) during treatment with those medications.
Tacrolimus (Prograf) also shouldn't be taken with sirolimus (Rapamune), especially in people with liver or heart transplant. Doing so can raise your risk of blood clots, kidney damage, and sudden death.
Let your provider or pharmacist know what other medications you’re taking before and while taking tacrolimus (Prograf).
Tacrolimus (Prograf) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Tacrolimus (Prograf)
Your provider will determine your dose of tacrolimus (Prograf) based on your weight, ethnicity, kidney or liver health, the type of transplant you received, and the other immunosuppressants you're taking. In general:
Liver transplant
Generic IR capsule and Prograf
Adults: The typical starting dose is 0.1 mg to 0.15 mg/kg of body weight daily total, split into 2 doses and taken by mouth twice daily.
Children: The typical dose is 0.15 mg to 0.2 mg/kg of body weight daily total, split into 2 doses and taken by mouth twice daily.
Heart and lung transplant
Generic IR capsules and Prograf only: Prograf is for heart and lung transplant. Generic IR capsule is for heart transplant only
Adults: The typical starting dose is 0.075 mg/kg of body weight daily total, split into 2 doses and taken by mouth twice daily.
Children: The typical starting dose is 0.3 mg/kg of body weight daily total, split into 2 doses and taken by mouth twice daily.
Kidney transplant
Adults
IR and Prograf: The typical starting dose ranges from 0.1 mg to 0.2 mg/kg of body weight daily total, split into 2 doses and taken by mouth twice daily.
Astagraf XL: The typical starting dose is 0.1 mg to 0.2 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once a day in the morning.
Children
Astagraf XL: The typical starting dose is 0.3 mg/kg of body weight by mouth once a day in the morning.
Prograf: The typical starting dose is 0.3 mg/kg of body weight daily total, split into 2 doses and taken by mouth twice daily.
Interactions between Tacrolimus (Prograf) and other drugs
More on Tacrolimus (Prograf) interactions
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Bepridil
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Lefamulin
- Mesoridazine
- Mifepristone
- Nelfinavir
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Posaconazole
- Ritonavir
- Saquinavir
- Sparfloxacin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Ziprasidone
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abametapir
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Adenovirus Vaccine, Live
- Alefacept
- Alfuzosin
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Amlodipine
- Amprenavir
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Apomorphine
- Aprepitant
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Armodafinil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Asenapine
- Aspirin
- Astemizole
- Atazanavir
- Azithromycin
- Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine, Live
- Bedaquiline
- Berotralstat
- Boceprevir
- Bosentan
- Bromfenac
- Bufexamac
- Buprenorphine
- Buserelin
- Carbamazepine
- Caspofungin
- Celecoxib
- Cenobamate
- Ceritinib
- Chloramphenicol
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpromazine
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Choline Salicylate
- Ciprofloxacin
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clofazimine
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clotrimazole
- Clozapine
- Cobicistat
- Colchicine
- Conivaptan
- Crizotinib
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Cyclosporine
- Dabrafenib
- Dalfopristin
- Darunavir
- Dasabuvir
- Dasatinib
- Degarelix
- Delamanid
- Delavirdine
- Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
- Desipramine
- Deslorelin
- Deutetrabenazine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Diclofenac
- Diflunisal
- Diltiazem
- Dipyrone
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Domperidone
- Donepezil
- Doxepin
- Droperidol
- Droxicam
- Ebastine
- Echinacea
- Efavirenz
- Elbasvir
- Eliglustat
- Eluxadoline
- Encorafenib
- Entrectinib
- Enzalutamide
- Erdafitinib
- Eribulin
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Esomeprazole
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Etravirine
- Famotidine
- Felbamate
- Felbinac
- Fenoprofen
- Fentanyl
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Floctafenine
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Formoterol
- Fosamprenavir
- Fosaprepitant
- Foscarnet
- Fosnetupitant
- Fosphenytoin
- Fostemsavir
- Galantamine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Glasdegib
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Granisetron
- Grazoprevir
- Halofantrine
- Haloperidol
- Histrelin
- Hydroquinidine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxyzine
- Ibuprofen
- Ibuprofen Lysine
- Ibutilide
- Idelalisib
- Iloperidone
- Imatinib
- Imipramine
- Indinavir
- Indomethacin
- Infliximab
- Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Isavuconazonium Sulfate
- Itraconazole
- Ivabradine
- Ivacaftor
- Ivosidenib
- Ketoconazole
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lanreotide
- Lapatinib
- Lenvatinib
- Letermovir
- Levamlodipine
- Levofloxacin
- Lofexidine
- Lomitapide
- Lopinavir
- Lorlatinib
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumacaftor
- Lumefantrine
- Lumiracoxib
- Macimorelin
- Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Mefloquine
- Meloxicam
- Methadone
- Methotrimeprazine
- Metoclopramide
- Metronidazole
- Mibefradil
- Mirtazapine
- Mitotane
- Mizolastine
- Modafinil
- Moricizine
- Morniflumate
- Moxifloxacin
- Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
- Nabumetone
- Nafarelin
- Nafcillin
- Naproxen
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Netupitant
- Nevirapine
- Nicardipine
- Niflumic Acid
- Nilotinib
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Norfloxacin
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Olanzapine
- Ombitasvir
- Omeprazole
- Ondansetron
- Osilodrostat
- Osimertinib
- Oxaliplatin
- Oxaprozin
- Oxcarbazepine
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Ozanimod
- Palbociclib
- Paliperidone
- Panobinostat
- Papaverine
- Parecoxib
- Paritaprevir
- Paroxetine
- Pasireotide
- Pazopanib
- Pentamidine
- Perphenazine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenytoin
- Piketoprofen
- Pimavanserin
- Pipamperone
- Piroxicam
- Pixantrone
- Poliovirus Vaccine, Live
- Ponesimod
- Potassium Phosphate
- Prednisone
- Primidone
- Probucol
- Procainamide
- Prochlorperazine
- Proglumetacin
- Promethazine
- Propafenone
- Propionic Acid
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protriptyline
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Quinupristin
- Ranitidine
- Ranolazine
- Ribociclib
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Risperidone
- Rofecoxib
- Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
- Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Schisandra sphenanthera
- Selpercatinib
- Sertindole
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Siponimod
- Sirolimus
- Smallpox Vaccine
- Sodium Phosphate
- Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
- Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic
- Sodium Salicylate
- Solifenacin
- Sorafenib
- Sotalol
- St John's Wort
- Sulindac
- Sulpiride
- Sultopride
- Sunitinib
- Tamoxifen
- Telaprevir
- Telavancin
- Telithromycin
- Tenoxicam
- Tetrabenazine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Tofacitinib
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Tolterodine
- Toremifene
- Trazodone
- Triclabendazole
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Tucatinib
- Typhoid Vaccine, Live
- Valdecoxib
- Vandetanib
- Vardenafil
- Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
- Vemurafenib
- Venlafaxine
- Verapamil
- Vilanterol
- Vinflunine
- Voclosporin
- Voriconazole
- Vorinostat
- Voxelotor
- Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Zoster Vaccine, Live
- Zotepine
- Zuclopenthixol
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
How much does Tacrolimus (Prograf) cost?
Tacrolimus (Prograf) contraindications
History of allergic reaction to tacrolimus
History of allergic reaction to polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil (HCO-60) - tacrolimus (Prograf) injection only
What are alternatives to Tacrolimus (Prograf)?
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
Prevention of heart, liver, and kidney transplant rejection
Treatment of chronic (long-term) rejection in heart, liver, and kidney transplant recipients previously treated with other immunosuppressive medications
Prevention of kidney transplant rejection
Treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
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References
Best studies we foundAccord Healthcare Inc. (2024). Tacrolimus capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.
Ali, S. M., et al. (2010). Polyoxyl 60 hydrogenated castor oil free nanosomal formulation of immunosuppressant Tacrolimus: Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability in rodents and humans. International Immunopharmacology.
American Heart Association. (2022). Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).
Anderson-Haag, T. (n.d.). Transplant medications: Forget me not! National Kidney Foundation.
Araya, A. A., et al. (2023). Tacrolimus. StatPearls.
Ascend Laboratories, LLC. (2023). Tacrolimus - tacrolimus capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.
Astellas Pharma Inc. (n.d.). Once-daily tacrolimus.
Astellas Pharma Inc. (2022). Instructions for use: Prograf® granules (PRO-graf) (tacrolimus for oral suspension).
Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (2023). Astagraf XL- tacrolimus extended-release capsules capsule, coated, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (2023). Prograf- tacrolimus capsule, gelatin coated; tacrolimus injection, solution; tacrolimus granule, for suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Parvovirus B19.
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George, C., et al. (2023). Hyperuricemia. StatPearls.
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