Prograf and/or Equivalents

Prograf (tacrolimus)

Prograf Description

Prograf, a drug commonly known as Tacrolimus, used to suppress patient’s immune system after an organ transplant. The drug lowers the activity of the patient’s immune system and as a result brings down the chances of rejection of the organ. This is because your immune system helps your body fight viruses. It will treat a transplanted organ, such as the liver or the kidney, as an invader and reject the same. Prograf is normally used in modern preparations of medicines to treat conditions such as severe dermatitis or eczema, vitiligo of the skin or refractory uveitis after a bone marrow transplant.

Conditions Treated by Prograf

Prograf comes in the form of capsules as well as injections. They contain the element Tacrolimus that acts as an immunosuppressant to bring down the cell activity in your immune system. Thus, a transplanted tissue will not be attacked and help save a transplanted organ from rejection. The drug actually operates on the white blood cells in your body. The cells produce a substance called lymphokine when an unfamiliar element is detected in the body. This substance will help the blood cells trigger the immune system to respond to the foreign element. The Tacrolimus element in Prograf will help prevent production of lymphokines. Hence, the drug Prograf is used after transplantation of kidney, liver, heart, pancreas, lung, bone marrow and many such organs. The drug is used in combination with other medicines for suppressing the immune system like corticosteroids.

Prograf Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

Shortly successive to the transplant, you may be given an injection of Prograf, and this will be continued till your doctor feels that you are ready to take Prograf in the pill form. The pills are normally taken every 12 hours, with or without food. Make sure that if you start to consume the drug without food, then you continue to take it without food throughout the course of medication. This is to ensure that your body absorbs the same amount of drug always. The dosage will be based on your weight, blood test results, your medical condition and a gradual supervision of your response to the therapy. Without consultation of your doctor, you are not supposed to increase the prescribed dosage or take Prograf more often. Similarly, do not stop the medication without your doctor’s approval. In short, you are advised to follow the course of medication as regularly as possible. You must ensure that your body keeps the amount of medicine at a constant level. You can do this by taking all your doses on time. You may avoid consumption of grapefruit or its juice during a Prograf medication. This is because grapefruit is known to be responsible for causing a rise in the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream.

b.) Missing a Dose

If you happen to miss a dose of Prograf, take it as soon as you realize it. But if it is time for your next dosage, skip the missed dose and take the latest dose due. Remember never to double up the dosage in order to catch up with the missed one.

c.) Overdosing

Increasing your dosage of Prograf or consuming it more often than prescribed will not help you to obtain results any sooner. It will, rather, cause the occurrence of side effects to increase. Call your local poison center or seek immediate medical attention in case you suspect an overdose.

Prograf Warnings

For best results, Prograf should be taken on an empty stomach; an hour prior to and 2 to 3 hours after your meal. Side effects caused due to medication of this drug may make you unfit for operating any machinery or driving a vehicle. Moreover, consumption of alcohol will enhance the effects. Avoid consumption of grapefruit in any form since it will increase the level of medicine in your bloodstream and make you more vulnerable to the side effects. The amount of potassium in your bloodstream is bound to increase from medication of Prograf. Hence, you are advised to reduce consumption of food rich in potassium like bananas, dried fruit, tomatoes and salt low in sodium. Potassium supplements are also to be avoided. Since the main function of the drug is to suppress your immune system, it makes you more vulnerable to other infections. Therefore, you are bound to develop a sore throat, illness or fever and consult your doctor immediately when you feel sick. Prograf medication on a long-term basis will make you prone to lymphomas or skin cancer. To avoid the risk of developing a cancer, prevent yourself from being exposed to the sunlight and UV light. Considering pregnancy, avoid getting pregnant while you are on a Prograf medication since the medicine might harm the unborn baby. Regular consultation with the doctor is advised during the course of the medication. Your physician will monitor your health condition like blood pressure, your eyesight, heart condition and your nervous system. Blood tests will reveal the amount of medicine contained in your bloodstream. This is important to discover if the treatment is effective and not causing any side effects.

Prograf Side Effects

Common side effects experienced are:

• stomach upset
• headache
• sleeplessness
• tingling of hands and feet
• shaking
• loss of appetite
• nausea and vomiting

If conditions such as the above persist or are severe, you must inform your doctor at the earliest.

Some severe side effects that occur are:

• seizures
• pounding heartbeat
• easy bleeding
• mood changes
• dizziness
• weakness
• hearing loss
• swelling of arms and legs
• abdominal pain

The element Tacrolimus in the drug may even cause your blood pressure to increase and will give chances for developing diabetes. Allergic reactions from Prograf include rashes, breathing trouble and itching.

Possible Drug Interactions with Prograf

It is important to let your doctor know what other medications you are undergoing before he prescribes your Prograf. Another immunosuppressant called cyclosporine should not be consumed in combination with Prograf. There is an increased risk of adverse effects on your kidneys if the drug is taken along with other drugs like ganciclovir, Vancocin (vancomycin) and amphotericin.

If you have any questions about buying discount Prograf online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Prograf and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information