Tacrolimus injection

What is this medicine?

TACROLIMUS (ta KROE li mus) is used to prevent organ rejection after a transplant.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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

• breathing problems

• burning or tingling in the hands or feet

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• fever, chills or any other sign of infection

• increased thirst or hunger

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• seizures

• swelling of the feet or legs, unusual or sudden weight gain

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusual bleeding or bruising

• unusually weak or tired

• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• confusion

• constipation

• diarrhea

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• nausea

• tremors

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

• certain supplements that contain schisandra sphenanthera extracts

• 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 or cortisone

• vaccines

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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 or heart failure

• high blood pressure

• infection

• kidney disease

• an unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus, castor oil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

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.

Your blood sugar may increase while you are taking this medicine. Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you have any of the following symptoms: increased thirst, dry mouth, pass urine frequently, notice a fruity odor on your breath, or feel tired and lose your appetite.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.