Prograf

Tacrolimus

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Prograf

Prograf is an immune-suppressant drug. It suppresses the immune system and is used in prevention of rejection of transplanted organs. It acts by inhibiting an enzyme (calcineurin) which is essential for the multiplication of T-cells (cells that are vital to the immune process and rejection of transplanted organ). The use of Prograf allows transplantation specialists to reduce the dose of steroids which are also used to prevent rejection. This is called "steroid sparing effect" of Prograf. This steroid sparing effect is very useful because there are numerous side effects of using steroids in large doses for longer period of time.

Prograf was approved by the USFDA in April, 1994 for liver transplantation. Now it is also used in patients for heart, kidney, small bowel, and bone marrow transplantation.

Therapeutic Uses of Prograf

Prograf is used in the prevention of rejection of transplanted organs like liver, heart, kidney, bone marrow, intestine etc.

Direction of use of Prograf

Prograf is taken orally generally twice a day. The dose of Prograf varies widely which is determined based on blood tests that measure the amount of Prograf in the body. Prograf if taken with food can reduce the abdominal pain that can occur with it (but food can reduce the amount of Prograf that is absorbed in the blood, especially with fatty foods). So, to get best results take Prograf without food and if you need to take with food you should void fatty foods.

If You Miss a Dose of Prograf

If you miss a dose of Prograf you should take it as soon as possible. You should skip the missed dose if you miss it for long time and it is almost time for the next dose and follow the regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of Prograf at a time.

How to Store Prograf

Prograf should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C). Store it away fro moisture, heat and direct light. Do not store it in your bathroom. Keep this medicine and other medicines out of reach of children.

More Information About Prograf

Laboratory tests should be done frequently while taking Prograf to monitor the effects and prevent side effects. Prograf should be used only by the patient for whom transplantation of an organ is done and never shared with others. If you get any question about Prograf you should consult your doctor.

Precautions to be Taken While Taking Prograf

• Prograf is an immune-suppressant drug and it may leave you less able to fight infection and could also cause tumors including cancer. Prograf must be used in an appropriate setting and you should inform your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection (such as persistent sore throat or fever), or unusual growths (tumors).
• Inform your doctor if you have any kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or allergy to any substance including Prograf and other medicines. This medication is not recommended for use if you heart disease (QT prolongation in ECG).
• Prograf should not be used during pregnancy and is not recommended in pregnancy as well as breast feeding. You need to discuss if you have to breast feed your baby, with your doctor.

Possible Adverse Effects of Prograf

• Prograf is associated with various side effects. Side effects with Prograf are very common. These include baldness (which can occur in 1 in 5 patients who take it), anemia (1 out of 2 patients treated with Prograf), loss of appetite (1 out of 3 patients treated with Prograf), diarrhea (3 out of 4 patients treated with Prograf), high concentrations of potassium in the blood (1 out of 2 patients treated with Prograf), high blood pressure (1 in 2 patients), nausea (1 in 2 patients), vomiting (1 out of 4 patients treated with Prograf), tingling sensation in the extremities (2 in 5), itching (1 in 3), tremor (1 out of 2 patients treated with Prograf), fever (1 in 2), headache (2 in 3), rash (1 in 4), high blood sugar concentrations (between 1 in 3 and 1 in 2), and abdominal pain (out of 4 patients treated with Prograf).
• Other side effects of Prograf include confusion, increased sensitivity to light, blurring of vision, insomnia (sleeplessness), infection (common and signs are fever, sore throat etc.), jaundice (yellowing of the skin due to effects on the liver), kidney injury, painful joints, and seizures.