Tacrolimus (Systemic)

Brand Names : Prograf

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor . Do not take more or less of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. The exact amount of medicine you need has been carefully worked out. Taking too much may increase the chance of side effects, while taking too little may lead to rejection of your transplanted organ.

To help you remember to take your medicine, try to get into the habit of taking it at the same time each day. This will also help tacrolimus work better by keeping a constant amount in the blood.

Absorption of this medicine may be changed if you change your diet. This medicine should be taken consistently with respect to meals. You should not change the type or amount of food you eat unless you discuss it with your health care professional.

Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor . You may have to take medicine for the rest of your life to prevent your body from rejecting the transplant.

Dosing - The dose of tacrolimus will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of tacrolimus. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine in the capsule and the dose prescribed by your doctor. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking tacrolimus .

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • Adults, teenagers, or children - Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 0.1 to 0.3 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (0.045 to 0.14 mg per pound) of body weight a day.
• For injection dosage form:
  • Adults, teenagers, or children - Dose is based on body weight. The usual dose is 0.01 to 0.05 mg per kg (0.0045 to 0.0227 mg per pound) of body weight a day.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of tacrolimus and remember it within 12 hours, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose, go back to your regular dosing schedule, and check with your doctor. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of reach of children.