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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

Diarrhea, Increased glucose level in blood, Increased thirst, Kidney damage, Liver damage, Nausea1a, Stomach pain

CONTENT DETAILS

Written By

Dr. Anuj Saini

MMST, MBBS

Reviewed By

Dr. Varun Gupta

MD (Pharmacology), MBBS

Last updated

23 Aug 2021 | 08:48 PM (UTC)

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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).

Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking Tacrolimus?

Before taking Tacrolimus, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, have allergies, long-term infection, high blood sugar, or high blood pressure. You should also inform your doctor if you have high blood potassium levels or a weakened immune system. Make your doctor aware in case you have a history of any medication, have recently received or are scheduled to receive a live vaccine.

Q. Is Tacrolimus safe?

As compared to other immune-suppressing medicines, Tacrolimus has been found to be a safe and effective short-term treatment for atopic dermatitis. When applied on the affected part of the skin, its absorption to the blood and body is minimal. Hence, the side effects are less as compared to when taken through oral route.

Q. Does Tacrolimus have an abuse potential?

No, Tacrolimus does not have abuse potential and thus, is not a controlled substance. Controlled substances have potential for abuse so they need permission from authorities and doctors for use.