Prograf
Generic Name: Tacrolimus
What is Prograf?
Prograf slows the body's immune system and is used as an antirejection medicine after an organ transplant. Prograf helps patients who have had a liver or kidney transplant protect their new organ and prevent it from being rejected by the body.What is the most important information I should know about Prograf?
All antirejection medicines, including Prograf, suppress your body's immune system. As a result, they may increase your chances of getting infections and, while rare, some kinds of cancer, including skin and lymph gland cancer (lymphoma).Because of an increased risk for skin cancer, limit exposure to sunlight and UV light by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (≥SPF 15).
People taking Prograf may be at risk for developing reversible diabetes after receiving an organ transplant. Call your doctor if you experience frequent urination, or increased thirst or hunger.
Keep all follow-up visits with your doctor. You will need to be monitored with tests that measure the safety and effectiveness of the therapy.
Who should not take Prograf?
Do not take Prograf if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Prograf?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Prograf. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have cancer, an infection, diabetes, liver or kidney problems, heart problems, are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Heart Transplant
Adults: The usual dosage is 0.075 milligrams (mg) per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day.
Kidney Transplant
Adults: The usual dosage if 0.2 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day if taken with azathioprine. The usual dosage is 0.1 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day if taken with a drug known as an MMF/IL-2 receptor antagonist.
Liver Transplant
Adults: The usual dosage is 0.10-0.15 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day.
Children: The usual dosage is 0.15-0.20 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day.
In patients unable to take oral Prograf capsules, therapy may be initiated with Prograf injection. The initial dose of Prograf should be administered no sooner than 6 hours after transplantation.
How should I take Prograf?
Take Prograf exactly as prescribed, usually as twice a day, 12 hours apart. Prograf should be taken the same way each day.What should I avoid while taking Prograf?
Do not eat/drink grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Prograf unless your transplant team approves of it.Do not get any vaccinations without your transplant team's approval.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Prograf?
If Prograf is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, clarithromycin, erythromycin, troleandomycin; amphotericin B; anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin; antifungals such as clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole; antimicrobials such as rifabutin, caspofungin, rifampin; birth control/hormone replacement therapy, bromocriptine; calcium channel blockers such as diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil; chloramphenicol; cimetidine; cisplatin; cyclosporine; danazol; ethinyl estradiol; ganciclovir; gastrointestinal medications such as cisapride and metoclopramide); lansoprazole; live vaccines; magnesium-aluminum-hydroxide; methylprednisolone; mycophenolate, nefazodone; omeprazole; protease inhibitors such as nelfinavir and ritonavir; sirolimus, and St. John's wort.What are the possible side effects of Prograf?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects for heart transplant patient may include: high blood pressure, abnormal kidney function, infection, diabetes, viral infection, tremor, high blood sugar, decreased levels of white blood cells, high levels of fat in the blood
Side effects for kidney transplant patients may include: changes in the amount of urine, constipation, diarrhea, headache, high blood pressure, infection, tremors, insomnia, abnormal kidney function, abdominal pain
Side effects for liver transplant patients may include: changes in the amount of urine, diarrhea, headache, high blood pressure, nausea, tremors, infection, nausea, abnormal kidney function, vomiting, low levels of magnesium, high levels of potassium, high blood sugar
Can I receive Prograf if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your transplant team if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed a baby while taking Prograf as it is excreted in the breast milk.What should I do if I miss a dose of Prograf?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of your next dose, skip it and resume your scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once. Call your transplant team right away for instructions on what to do.How should I store Prograf?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Kristen Dore, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
