Health Library

Tacrolimus (By injection)

Tacrolimus (ta-KROE-li-mus)

Prevents your body from rejecting an organ (including kidney, liver, heart, or lung) after transplant.

Brand Name(s):

Prograf

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein. Your doctor may let you stay for at least the first 30 minutes after the start of the infusion and at frequent intervals thereafter.
• A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with sirolimus.
• Do not use this medicine together with cyclosporine. Tacrolimus or cyclosporine should be stopped at least 24 hours before starting the other.
• There are many foods and drugs that can interact with tacrolimus. Tell your doctor if you are using cannabidiol. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, cystic fibrosis, or any type of infection. Tell your doctor if you are African-American or have African or Hispanic ancestry.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Increased risk of serious infections
  • Increased risk of cancer (including skin cancer, lymphoma)
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure, changes in heart rhythm (including QT prolongation, torsade de pointes), heart problems
  • Brain or nerve problems (including posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, seizures)
  • Kidney problems
  • Thrombotic microangiopathy (damage in the smallest blood vessels), hemolytic uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination, bloody urine
• Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, trouble breathing, numbness in your hands, feet, or lips
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Headache, vision changes, tremors, seizures, tingling or numbness
• Increased thirst or hunger
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
• Skin changes or growths
• Swollen glands in your armpits or groin
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Weakness on one side of your body, confusion, clumsiness, trouble thinking clearly

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting
• Joint pain or back pain
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024