What is tacrolimus capsules used for?

Tacrolimus is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (eg, kidney, liver, heart, or lung). This medicine may be used with steroids, azathioprine, basiliximab, or mycophenolate mofetil. Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents.

Can tacrolimus capsules be opened?

Tacrolimus should be given about the same time each day to keep a constant level in the blood. It should be taken about 12 hours apart and at least one hour before food, in two equal doses. The capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and diluted with water or orange juice.

How is tacrolimus supplied?

The starting dose is usually 0.1 to 0.2 milligram per kilogram (mg/kg) of body weight per day, divided into 2 doses and taken every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. Children—0.3 mg/kg per day, divided in 2 doses, given every 12 hours.

Is tacrolimus being discontinued?

Reason for the Shortage Bionpharma has temporarily discontinued tacrolimus capsules. Dr. Reddy’s has tacrolimus capsules available for current customers. Lannett has discontinued tacrolimus capsules.

What is a good tacrolimus level?

With this in mind, together with experience of balancing under- and over- immunosuppression in clinical practice, the authors recommend targeting tacrolimus trough levels to 10-15 ng/mL early post-transplantation and 5-10 ng/mL during subsequent maintenance therapy in Caucasian patients.

Does tacrolimus come in liquid form?

Tacrolimus is available as 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 5 mg capsules, and the pharmacy makes an oral suspension (liquid). All are taken by mouth. Tacrolimus is also available as a clear liquid given by vein (IV).

What is an alternative drug to tacrolimus?

Nulojix® is an injectable medication that works in a different way than any other anti-rejection medicines available. It was designed as a potential replacement medication for Prograf® (tacrolimus) or Neoral® (Gengraf®, cyclosporine).

What can replace tacrolimus?

Tacrolimus Alternatives Compared

• Rapamune.
• Mycophenolate mofetil.
• Sirolimus.
• Everolimus.
• Cyclosporine.
• Imuran.

What foods affect tacrolimus?

Does tacrolimus interact with any foods or beverages? Avoid excessive intake of high potassium foods (bananas, oranges, orange juice, potatoes, spinach, etc). Do not eat grapefruits, grapefruit juice or any soda (Fresca) or fruit juice blend that contains grapefruit juice.