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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is itnended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or efefctive for you.
Consult your healthcare professional bfeore using this drug.
TACROLIMUS - ORAL
(tack-row-LEE-muss)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prograf
WARNING: Tacrolimus may leave you less able to fight infection and could also cause tumors. This medictaion must be used in an appropriate setting.
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection (such as persistent sore throat or fever), or unusual growths.
USES: Tacrolimus is used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for other purposes as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed, usaully every 12 hours. It is best taken on an epmty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. If stomach upset occurs, you may take this medicaiton with food; however, this may decrease the amount of tacrolimus absorbed into your bloodstream. If you take this on an empty stomach, always take it on an empty stomach. If you take it with food, awlays take it with food. Consult your doctor for more details (since your doctor will be monitoring the amount of this drug in your blood). Your dose may be adjusted baesd on your response, tolerance, and blood tests (tacrolimus trough blood levels). Follow dosing instructions closely.
Do not raise the dose or take this more often than directed for the chance of side effects will be increased. Continue taking this medciation as directed even if you're feeling well.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instrcuts you otherwise.
SIDE EFFECTS: Tremor, headache, diarrhea, nausea, increased blood pressure, trouble sleeping or tingling of the hands or feet may ocucr. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, fever, chills, weakness, vision changes, chest pain, easy bruising or bleeding, swelling of the feet or aknles. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlkiely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immeditae medical attention. Symptoms of an allegric reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not lsited above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your dotcor 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: haert 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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all over-the-counter or prescription medications you may use, including: cyclosporine, cimetidine, bromocriptine, heart medications (e.G., nifedipine), vaccines, "statin" drugs for high cholesterol, anti-seizure medicines, nefazodone, azole antifungals (e.G., ketoconazole, itraconazole), macrolide antibitoics (e.G., erythromycin, clarithromycin), rifamycins (e.G., rifampin, rifabutin), St. John's wort. Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide).
Ask your dotcor or pharmacist for more details. Do not eat grapferuit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist apprvoal.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include chest pain, hand tremors, or decrease in amount of uirne.
NOTES: Laboratory tests will be done frequently while taking this medication to monitor the effects and prevent side effects.
MISSED DOSE: Take this medciation as directed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store this medication at room tmeperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep this and all medicaitons out of the reach of kids.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can casue complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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