Prograf is used for:
Preventing organ rejection in patients following liver, kidney, or heart transplant. It may be used along with other medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Prograf is an immunosuppressant. It blocks the action of certain blood cells (eg, T lymphocytes) that can cause the body to reject the transplanted organ.
Do NOT use Prograf if:
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Prograf
• you are taking astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, ibutilide, a potassium-sparing diuretic (eg, spironolactone), sirolimus, terfenadine, or ziprasidone
• you have taken cyclosporine with the last 24 hours
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Prograf :
Some medical conditions may interact with Prograf . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems; diabetes; or high potassium levels in your blood
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Prograf . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
• Potassium-sparing diuretics (eg, spironolactone) because the risk of high blood potassium levels may be increased
• Cyclosporine or other medicines that may harm the kidney (eg, aminoglycoside antibiotics [eg, gentamicin], amphotericin B, cyclosporine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] [eg, ibuprofen], vancomycin) or the liver (eg, acetaminophen, methotrexate, ketoconazole, isoniazid, certain medicines for HIV infection) because the risk of kidney or liver side effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the kidney or liver
• Many prescription and nonprescription medicines (eg, used for infections, inflammation, aches and pains, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, seizures, stomach problems), multivitamin products, herbal or dietary supplements (eg, herbal teas, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John's wort), astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, ibutilide, sirolimus, terfenadine, and ziprasidone may interact with Prograf , increasing the risk of side effects
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Prograf may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Prograf :
Use Prograf as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
• An extra patient leaflet is available with Prograf . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
• Prograf is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.
• Do not use Prograf if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Continue to use Prograf even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the risk of side effects from Prograf . Talk to your doctor before including grapefruit or grapefruit juice in your diet while taking Prograf .
• If you miss a dose of Prograf , contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Prograf .
Important safety information:
• Prograf may cause drowsiness and dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Prograf with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not change your dose of Prograf without first checking with your doctor.
• Prograf may increase your risk for developing skin cancer. Avoid using sunlamps or tanning booths. Limit your exposure to the sun. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol while you are taking Prograf .
• Check with your doctor before you use a salt substitute or a product that has potassium in it.
• Prograf may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
• Do not receive a live vaccine (eg, measles, mumps) while you are taking Prograf . Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine.
• Patients who take Prograf after an organ transplant may have an increased risk for developing high blood sugar or diabetes. The risk is higher among black and Hispanic patients after a kidney transplant. High blood sugar may make you feel confused, drowsy, or thirsty. It can also make you flush, breathe faster, or have a fruit-like breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
• Lab tests, including blood counts, blood potassium and glucose levels, kidney function, heart function, and blood pressure, may be performed while you use Prograf . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Caution is advised when using Prograf in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially lymphoma.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Prograf has been shown to cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Prograf while you are pregnant. Prograf is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Prograf .
Possible side effects of Prograf :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Back pain; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; headache; joint pain; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach pain or upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; dark urine; decreased coordination; chest pain; diabetes (frequent urination, increased thirst or hunger); fast or irregular heartbeat; mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, confusion) one-sided weakness; painful urination or changes in the amount of urine; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; shortness of breath; swelling of the hands, feet, or legs; tingling or numbness in the hands or feet; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual lumps or skin lesions; unusual weakness or tiredness; vision changes; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Proper storage of Prograf :
Prograf is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Prograf at home, store Prograf as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider.