Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule
Tacrolimus (0.5mg)
by Eris Lifesciences Ltd
strip of 10 capsules
About this medicine
Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule is used along with other medicines to prevent your body from rejecting a new organ (e.g., liver, kidney, or heart) after transplant. It does so by weakening your body’s immune system, so it does not attack the new organ. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. The amount of Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule you take and how often you take it depends on the type of transplant you have, your body weight, and what other medicines you are taking. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. You should take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take this medicine regularly to get the maximum benefit and keep taking it, even if you feel well. If you stop taking it, you may increase the chances of rejecting your transplanted organ. Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule has many potential side effects. It can cause or worsen diabetes and kidney problems. These need urgent medical attention. Other common side effects include tremor, infections, high blood pressure, headache, and insomnia. If the side effects do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule lowers your immune system making you susceptible to catching more infections than usual. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Also let your doctor know what other medications you are taking, especially for infections, pain, and arthritis. These and others may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. You should limit your exposure to the sun and UV (ultraviolet) light while taking it because immunosuppressants could increase your risk of skin cancer. Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. This medicine is not normally recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless it is clearly needed. Before and during treatment you will need frequent medical tests to monitor your progress, and your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
Uses
- Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients
Benefits
In prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients
Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressants. Organ rejection happens when your immune system treats the new organ as an invader and attacks it. This medicine weakens your immune response (which usually fights infection) and reduces the chance of your body attacking the transplanted organ. It is used in combination with other medicines to make it much more likely that your transplant operation will be successful. You should continue taking the medicine and should not stop it until your doctor says so.
How it works
Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule is an immunosuppressant. It works by suppressing your body’s immune response following the transplant of an organ (e.g., liver, kidney, heart). This helps your body to accept the new organ as if it were your own.
How to use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule is to be taken empty stomach.
Common side effects
- High blood pressure
- Increased glucose level in blood
- Kidney damage
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Tremors
- Headache
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Infection
Safety advice
- AlcoholUNSAFE
- It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule.
- PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
- Breast feedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
- Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
- DrivingUNSAFE
- Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
- KidneyCAUTION
- Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
- LiverCAUTION
- Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose of Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Quick facts
- Chemical Class
- Macrolide Lactams
- Habit Forming
- No
- Therapeutic Class
- Anti neoplastics
Frequently asked questions
Is Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule an antibiotic?
Yes, Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule is a type of antibiotic which belongs to a group of medicines called macrolides. It is mostly used after organ transplantation. This medicine’s immune-suppressing property helps prevent organ rejection after kidney, heart, or liver transplant.
Which vaccines should not be taken while taking Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule?
You should avoid taking any live vaccines (vaccines that use pathogens that are still alive, but are attenuated, that is, weakened) while taking Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule. These may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, BCG (TB vaccine), yellow fever, chicken pox and typhoid. You should also avoid taking polio drops (by mouth) or flu vaccine (through nose).
Who should not take Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule?
Patients who are allergic to it or have a weak immune system, high blood pressure, and kidney failure should avoid Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule. This medicine should also be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and in people who plan to receive any live vaccines (e.g. MMR vaccine).
What should I tell my doctor before taking Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule?
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, have allergies, long-term infection, high blood sugar, or high blood pressure. You should also inform your doctor if you have high blood potassium levels or a weakened immune system. Tell your doctor if you have a history of any medication, have recently received, or are scheduled to receive a live vaccine.
What should I be aware of before I start taking Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule?
This medicine suppresses the immune system and hence there is always an increased risk of infection. Moreover, in some cases, Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule can increase the risk of some kind of cancer like skin and lymph gland cancer (lymphoma). It can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Consult your doctor before you start taking this medication and in case you notice any symptoms of infections like fever, sweats or chills, cough or flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, warm, red, or painful areas on your skin.
Does Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule have an abuse potential?
No, Tacrograf 0.5 Capsule does not have abuse potential and thus, is not a controlled substance. Controlled substances have potential for abuse so they need permission from authorities and doctors for use.
Product details
- Manufacturer
- Eris Lifesciences Ltd
- Salt composition
- Tacrolimus (0.5mg)
- Pack
- strip of 10 capsules
- Dosage form
- Capsule
- Storage
- Store below 30°C
Same salt, other brands
Therapeutically equivalent. Ask your doctor or our pharmacist before substituting.
The content above is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a registered medical practitioner before starting, stopping or changing any medicine.