Prograf
Drug Info
Prograf
Drug Uses: TACROLIMUS (Prograf) is a medication used to decrease the immune system response. Tacrolimus is used to reduce immune responses and prevent rejection in patients who receive organ or bone marrow transplants. Tacrolimus may be used to treat other conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. Generic tacrolimus capsules are not yet available.
How to Use Prograf
: Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• Prograf injection is given through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection shortly after your transplant.
• After receiving a Prograf injection, you may need to be checked at regular intervals to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction to the medication.
• Prograf injection must be given around-the-clock through an IV infusion, until you are ready to take the pill form of Prograf.
• The Prograf capsule is usually taken every 12 hours. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
• Prograf can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.
• To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
• Store Prograf at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Prograf
Precautions : Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, any allergies. This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: heart disease (e.g., QT prolongation). This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Prograf
Drug Interactions: Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: ziprasidone, cyclosporine. If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting tacrolimus. Other drugs besides tacrolimus and ziprasidone which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and clarithromycin, among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) irregular heartbeat. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and for instructions on how you may minimize the risk of this effect.
Prograf
Possible Side Effects: Side effects can be severe and include blurred vision, liver and kidney problems (it is nephrotoxic), seizures, tremors, hypertension, hypomagnesemia, diabetes mellitus, hyperkalemia, itching, insomnia, confusion, loss of appetite, hyperglycemia, weakness, depression, cramps, and neuropathy, as well as potentially increasing the severity of existing fungal or infectious conditions such as herpes zoster or polyoma viral infections.
Prograf
Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of Prograf
overdose include: dizziness or drowsiness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, fast heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
Prograf
Storage: Store Prograf
at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid excessive heat. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispense of this medicine in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store Prograf
in the bathroom.
Prograf
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not cover all possible uses, procedures, safety measures, side effects, or drug interactions of the products. We are not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of this drug information, or any consequences arising from the use of this information. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose.
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