Your doctor must regularly assess your or your child’s development to ensure that Tacrolimus operates as intended. Tests on the blood and urine may be required to look for side effects.
Your unborn child could suffer if you use Tacrolimus while pregnant. If the father uses it when his partner becomes pregnant, it might also result in congenital disabilities. Inform your doctor immediately if you believe you became pregnant while taking Tacrolimus.
Prograf should not be taken with sirolimus (Rapamune).
Your risk of developing skin cancer or lymphatic system cancer may increase due to Tacrolimus (lymphoma). If you are worried about this risk, consult your physician.
Your risk of contracting infections could go up if you take Tacrolimus. Keep your distance from sick persons when taking this drug. Regularly wash your hands. Before taking Tacrolimus, let your doctor know if you have any infection. Let your doctor know if you’ve ever experienced a condition that would not go away or kept coming back.
Do not receive any immunizations (vaccines) without your doctor’s approval while receiving treatment with tacrolimus and for some time after you stop taking it. Tacrolimus may reduce your body’s resistance, making the vaccine less effective or even causing you to contract the infection the immunization is meant to guard against. Additionally, you should avoid being around other members of your household who have received live virus vaccinations because there is a possibility that you could contract the illness from them. Live vaccines include rubella, measles, mumps, influenza (the nasal flu vaccine), poliovirus (oral form), and others. Stay away from them and don’t spend too much time in the same place with them. Discuss your worries with your physician.
Tacrolimus may make you more likely to contract the uncommon and harmful BK polyomavirus. A transplanted kidney could fail due to this virus’ potential to affect how well your kidneys function. You should see a doctor right away if you experience any of the following: blood in your urine, decreased frequency or volume of urination, increased thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness or weakness, vomiting, or unexpected weight gain.
The risk of developing a severe and uncommon brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy may rise due to Tacrolimus (PML). If you experience vision changes, loss of coordination, clumsiness, confusion, memory loss, difficulty speaking or understanding others, or weakness in the legs, consult your doctor immediately.
Tacrolimus may seriously damage the nerves or the brain (e.g., posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome). Call your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, headache, mental changes, seizures, high blood pressure, unusual drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, or a rapid heartbeat.
You could develop hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood) while taking Tacrolimus. Consult a medical professional immediately if you experience confusion, breathing difficulties, an irregular heartbeat, nausea or vomiting, anxiety, tingling or numbness in your hands, feet, or lips, stomach pain, or weakness or heaviness in your legs.
Pure red cell aplasia is a condition that tacrolimus may contribute to (PRCA). In this low condition, the patient’s body stops producing red blood cells, resulting in severe anemia. If you experience unusual fatigue or weakness, a fever and sore throat, pale skin, unusual bleeding or bruising, or pale skin, consult your doctor immediately.
If you have African or Hispanic ancestors, let your doctor know. After a transplant, your risk of developing diabetes could be higher. You might require a higher dosage of Tacrolimus if you’re African-American. Talk to your doctor about your concerns if they persist.
When you are outside frequently, apply sunscreen or sunblock lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. When the sun is at its strongest, from 10 am to 3 pm, seek shade and cover up with a hat. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
Before using Tacrolimus, discuss with your doctor if you intend to become a parent. Utilizing Tacrolimus, some men and women experienced infertility (unable to have children).