Prograf
= Prescription Required 
= Generic Equvalent
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Prograf 0.5mg Capsules
Tacrolimus Oral
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Prograf 1mg Capsules
Tacrolimus Oral
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Prograf 5mg Capsules
Tacrolimus Oral
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Prograf Prescription Drug Information
Tacrolimus (By mouth)
Tacrolimus (ta-KROE-li-mus)
Keeps your body from rejecting an organ transplant such as a kidney, liver, or heart. Prograf may be used with steroids, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil.
Brand Name(s):Prograf
There may be other brand names for Prograf.
When Prograf Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Prograf if you have had an allergic reaction to tacrolimus.
How to Use Prograf:
Capsule
- Your doctor will tell you how much of Prograf to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- It is best to take Prograf on an empty stomach.
If a dose of Prograf is missed:
- Prograf needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.
How to Store and Dispose of Prograf:
- Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
- Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
- Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Prograf:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- There are many other drugs that can interact with tacrolimus. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using cisplatin (Platinol®-AQ) or cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, or Sandimmune®). Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine for high blood pressure (such as diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil, Calan®, Cardene®, Cartia®, or Procardia®) or stomach problems (such as antacids, cimetidine, lansoprazole, metoclopramide, omeprazole, Mylanta®, Prevacid®, Prilosec®, Reglan®, or Tagamet®).
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using bromocriptine (Parlodel®), danazol (Danocrine®), ethinyl estradiol (Estinyl®), methylprednisolone (Medrol®), nefazodone (Serzone®), St. John's wort, or sirolimus (Rapamune®). Your doctor should also know if you are using medicines to treat seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, Carbatrol®, Dilantin®, or Luminal®), bacteria infections (such as amikacin, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, rifabutin, rifampin, streptomycin, troleandomycin, Amikin®, Biaxin®, Ery-Tab®, Garamycin®, Mycobutin®, Rifadin®, or Tao®), virus infections (such as ganciclovir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, Cytovene®, Norvir®, or Viracept®), or fungus infections (such as amphotericin B, caspofungin, clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole, Amphocin®, Cancidas®, Clotrim®, Diflucan®, Nizoral®, Sporanox®, or Vfend®).
- Tell your doctor if you are using diuretics or ("water pills") such as spironolactone, triamterene, or Aldactone®.
- Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving Prograf. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using Prograf.
- Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using Prograf.
Warnings While Using Prograf:
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, high potassium in the blood, brain or nerve problems, or any infection.
- Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using Prograf. Be sure to keep all appointments.
- Prograf lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
- Prograf may increase your risk of developing tumors or skin cancer. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
- Some people who have had transplants and used tacrolimus have developed diabetes. This has happened more often in people who are Hispanic or African-American and have had a kidney transplant. You may also have a higher risk of skin cancer or cancer of the lymph system while using tacrolimus. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about these risks.
- Prograf may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
Possible Side Effects While Using Prograf:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
- Change in how much or how often you urinate, or painful urination.
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
- Confusion, weakness, uneven heartbeat, or numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, or lips.
- Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
- Dry mouth, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
- Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat.
- Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
- Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist.
- Increased thirst or hunger.
- Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
- Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
- Problems with hearing, vision, speech, balance, or walking.
- Rapid weight gain.
- Seeing or hearing things that are not really there.
- Seizures, tremors, or muscle twitching.
- Sudden and severe stomach pain.
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing.
- Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Prograf, talk with your doctor:
- Agitation, depression, nervousness, or mood changes.
- Hair loss, or increased body hair.
- Headache.
- Joint pain or back pain.
- Diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, or upset stomach.
- Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Prograf, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
