Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 15, 2022.
Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with tacrolimus for IV injection or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death ..
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Prograf
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Immune Suppressant
Pharmacologic Class: Calcineurin Inhibitor
Uses for tacrolimus
Tacrolimus injection is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (eg, kidney, liver, heart, or lung). Tacrolimus may be used with steroids, azathioprine, or mycophenolate mofetil. Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents.
When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Tacrolimus works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.
Tacrolimus is a very strong medicine. It can cause side effects that can be very serious, such as kidney problems. It may also decrease the body's ability to fight infections. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits of tacrolimus as well as the risks of using it.
Tacrolimus is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Before using tacrolimus
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For tacrolimus, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of tacrolimus injection in children with liver, kidney, heart, o..
