Prograf (Tacrolimus) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Hypertensive Kidney Disease »

Introduction to high blood pressure and kidney disease

The kidneys play a key role in keeping a person's blood pressure in a healthy range, and blood pressure, in turn, can affect the health of the kidneys. High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can damage the kidneys and lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels. Extra fluid in the body increases the amount of fluid in blood vessels and makes blood pressure higher. Narrow, stiff, or clogged blood vessels also raise blood pressure.

Hypertension can result from too much fluid in normal blood vessels or from normal fluid in narrow, stiff, or clogged blood vessels.

People with high blood pressure should see their doctor regularly.

How does high blood pressure hurt the kidneys?

High blood pressure makes the heart work...

Read the Hypertensive Kidney Disease article »

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Prograf Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tacrolimus (Prograf)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to tacrolimus or hydrogenated castor oil.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before taking tacrolimus, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease;
liver disease;
high blood pressure; or
if you have used cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf) within the past 24 hours.

Some people receiving tacrolimus after a kidney transplant have developed diabetes. This effect has been seen most often in people who are Hispanic or African-American. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk of diabetes if you have concerns.

Taking tacrolimus may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, especially skin cancer. The risk may be higher in people who are treated over long periods of time with drugs that weaken the immune system. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tacrolimus is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking tacrolimus, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Tacrolimus can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take tacrolimus (Prograf)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may receive an injection of tacrolimus shortly after your transplant. Tacrolimus injection is given around-the-clock until you are ready to take the pill form of tacrolimus.

The tacrolimus 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.

Tacrolimus 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 your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store tacrolimus at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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