How does it work?

Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants. These medicines reduce the body's immune response. Tacrolimus works by blocking a substance called calcineurin which is responsible for the production of lymphokines. Lymphokines are normally produced by immune cells in the blood called T lymphocyte cells. They stimulate a rapid increase in the number of T- and B- cell lymphocytes when the presence of a foreign substance is detected in the body. T- and B- cell lymphocytes are the immune cells responsible for regulating and triggering immune responses and therefore provide defence against infection and foreign cells. Tacrolimus thus suppresses the production of these cells and prevents certain immune responses from occurring. This means the body will be less likely to reject foreign material such as transplanted organs. Tacrolimus is used together with other immunosuppressive medicines such as steroids and can be given by mouth or by intravenous infusion.

What is it used for?

Failure of conventional immunosuppressive treatments to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ

Prevent the body rejecting a transplanted kidney or liver

Warning!

Monitoring is required to check the levels of this medicine in the body.

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to monitor their kidney and liver function.

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to check the levels of their blood components.

Exclude pregnancy before starting treatment by performing a pregnancy test.

Regular examination of the nervous system (neurological function) is recommended

Individuals having long term or intense immunosuppressive treatment are at increased risk of developing lymphomas and other cancers, particularly skin cancer. Therefore, to reduce the risk of skin cancer, you should minimise your exposure to strong sunlight and UV light by wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen with a high protection factor. Discuss this with your doctor.

The muscle of the heart has occasionally been reported to be affected (cardiomyopathy) in patients (particularly children) given tacrolimus after transplantation. This can result in an enlarged heart, heart failure or abnormal heart rhythms. Patients using this medicine should be monitored carefully for any changes in the heart by echocardiography.

Women should use a non-hormonal method of contraception during treatment with this medicine.

Monitoring of blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) and electrolytes (the chemical components of blood) is recommended

It is recommended to monitor the clotting function of the blood during treatment

Use with caution in

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Allergy to macrolide type antibiotics, eg erythromycin

Cyclosporin at the same time

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during breastfeeding. For this reason, the manufacturer states that it should not be used during breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication an hour before food or on an empty stomach.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved