Tacrolimus
(ta-KROL-ih-mus)
Definition | Special instructions | Missed dose | Side effects | Warning signs | Contact us
What is tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus (Prograf") is a medicine used to prevent organ rejections after transplant. It has also been used to treat other illnesses, such as to prevent graft versus host disease (GVHD). It is available as a capsule, injection, or your pharmacist may be able to make a liquid.
Special instructions
It is best to take tacrolimus at the same time and the same way – either with or without food – each day. Changing these conditions can change the amount of medication that gets into your child's blood and its way of working.
Capsules should be swallowed whole. The capsules can be opened or chewed for young children or children who are unable to swallow whole capsules. The capsules can be opened and the powder placed in a small spoonful of pudding or yogurt or other soft food.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking tacrolimus, unless the doctor tells you it is ok to do this (The amount of medication in the blood can be increased and could cause harm).
If your child takes an antacid (often used to treat sour stomach or indigestion), it should be taken at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after a tacrolimus dose.
Keep this medication at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not refrigerate.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Do not use after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
It is important to see your child's doctor regularly so the effects of this medicine can be watched carefully.
Testing of your child's blood will be done every so often while they are taking this medication.
Do not give any other medications, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), without first talking to the doctor.
If too much medicine is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
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If a dose is missed
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and/or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
Side effects
Contact your child's doctor if symptoms persist or become bothersome:
Upset stomach (nausea)
Throwing up (vomiting)
Loose stools (diarrhea)
Trouble passing stool (constipation)
Changes in eyesight
Confusion
Tingling or swelling of the hands or feet
Headache
Easy bruising or bleeding
Trouble sleeping
Other possible side effects include kidney problems, increased blood pressure, hair loss, shaking, low blood count, tremors, diabetes and increased risk of infections.
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Warning signs
Call your child's doctor immediately if your child develops:
Rash
Reddened face (Flushing)
Breathing problems
Fever
Chills
Chest pain
Red color to urine
Seizures
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Patient Education Program V 5124 8/98
Rev. 10/05, 8/07
