How should this medicine be used?
Tacrolimus comes as a capsule to take by mouth and in an injectable form. It usually is taken twice a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tacrolimus exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continue to take tacrolimus even if you feel well. Do not stop taking tacrolimus without talking to your doctor. You will probably take tacrolimus for a long time.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking tacrolimus,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to tacrolimus or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amiloride (Midamor, Moduretic), bromocriptine (Parlodel), carbamazepine (Tegretol), cimetidine (Tagamet), cisapride (Propulsid), clarithromycin (Biaxin), clotrimazole (Mycelex, Lotrimin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), danazol (Danocrine), diltiazem (Cardizem), erythromycin (E-Mycin), fluconazole (Diflucan), ganciclovir (Cytovene), HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), methylprednisolone (Medrol), metoclopramide (Reglan), nefazodone (Serzone), nicardipine (Cardene), nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), omeprazole (Prilosec), oral contraceptives (birth control pills), phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), spironolactone (Aldactone), triamterene-containing drugs (Dyazide, Dyrenium, Maxzide), troleandomycin (Tao), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin), and vitamins. Do not take antacids within 2 hours of taking tacrolimus.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort and products containing St. John's Wort.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or kidney disease or diabetes.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking tacrolimus, call your doctor.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking tacrolimus.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking tacrolimus.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Although side effects from tacrolimus are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* diarrhea
* upset stomach
* vomiting
* stomach pain
* loss of appetite
* insomnia
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* fever
* sore throat
* chills
* frequent or painful urination
* decreased urination
* severe or continued headaches
* swelling of the feet, ankles, lower legs, and hands
* weight gain
* tremor
* weakness
* unusual bleeding or bruising
* skin rash
* itching
* hives
* difficulty breathing
* wheezing
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* seizures
