Tacrolimus extended-release capsules or tablets
Tacrolimus extended-release capsules or tablets
What is this medicine?
TACROLIMUS (ta KROE li mus) is used to decrease the immune system's response to a transplanted kidney.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Take this medicine in the morning on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Do not take the medicine with alcohol or grapefruit juice. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. You must take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 4 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
burning or tingling in the hands or feet
changes in vision
confusion
fast or irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
fever, chills or any other sign of infection
frequent urination
increased thirst or hunger
loss of appetite
pain or difficulty passing urine
seizures
severe headache
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
constipation
diarrhea
nausea
swelling of the feet or legs, unusual or sudden weight gain
tremor
unusually weak or tired
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
astemizole
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
cidofovir
cisapride
cyclosporine
dofetilide
dronedarone
droperidol
grepafloxacin
pimozide
probucol
thioridazine
ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol and medicines that contain alcohol
amiodarone
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
bromocriptine
certain antibiotics like aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, troleandomycin
certain calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil
certain medicines for fungal infections like amphotericin B, caspofungin, clotrimazole
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
certain medicines for stomach problems like antacids, cimetidine, famotidine, lansoprazole, metoclopramide, omeprazole
cisplatin
danazol
diuretics
ethinyl estradiol
ganciclovir
grapefruit juice
nefazodone
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
sirolimus
St. John's wort
steroid medicines like prednisone, cortisone, methylprednisone
vaccines
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next dose is to be taken in less than 10 hours, then do not take
the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetes
heart disease
high blood pressure
immune system problems
infection
kidney disease
liver disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks.
If you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself. The medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections.
Talk to your doctor about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
Updated:  
December 19, 2018