Tacrolimus Information

TACROLIMUS (ta KROE li mus) is used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted kidney.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -diabetes -heart disease -high blood pressure -immune system problems -infection -kidney disease -liver disease -an unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Take this medicine in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Do not take the medicine with alcohol or grapefruit juice. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. You must take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next dose is to be taken in less than 10 hours, then do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: -astemizole -certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole -cidofovir -cisapride -cyclosporine -dofetilide -dronedarone -droperidol -grepafloxacin -pimozide -probucol -thioridazine -ziprasidone This medicine may also interact with the following medications: -alcohol and medicines that contain alcohol -amiodarone -antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS -bromocriptine -certain antibiotics like aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, troleandomycin -certain calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil -certain medicines for fungal infections like amphotericin B, caspofungin, clotrimazole -certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin -certain medicines for stomach problems like antacids, cimetidine, famotidine, lansoprazole, metoclopramide, omeprazole -cisplatin -danazol -diuretics -ethinyl estradiol -ganciclovir -grapefruit juice -nefazodone -other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) -sirolimus -St. John's wort -steroid medicines like prednisone, cortisone, methylprednisone -vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks. If you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself. The medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections. Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine. This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -burning or tingling in the hands or feet -changes in vision -confusion -fast or irregular heartbeat -feeling faint or lightheaded, falls -fever, chills or any other sign of infection -frequent urination -increased thirst or hunger -loss of appetite -pain or difficulty passing urine -seizures -severe headache Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -constipation -diarrhea -nausea -swelling of the feet or legs, unusual or sudden weight gain -tremor -unusually weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.