Tacrolimus
Generic Name:
Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus Description:
Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive agent that comes in the form of a topical agent, as well as an oral capsule and an injection. The topical agent is used to treat a skin condition known as atopic dermatitis. The oral capsule and injection are used to prevent complications in patients receiving organ transplants. Both forms of the medication work by suppressing the immune system.
Tacrolimus Side Effects:
Common side effects of topical versions of tacrolimus include:
- Stinging
- Burning
- Itching
Common side effects of oral and injectable versions of tacrolimus include:
- Shaking
- Headache
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Stomach pain
- High blood pressure
- Nausea
- Infection
- Insomnia
- Abnormal kidney function
- High cholesterol
- High blood sugar
For more information, see our tacrolimus side effects page.
Tacrolimus Uses:
Topical versions of tacrolimus are used to treat a type of eczema known as atopic dermatitis. The medication is usually used as a second-line treatment option for patients who have not responded to other topical therapies. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the skin. The condition can cause severe itching, redness, cracking, swelling and scaling of the skin, among other symptoms.
Oral and injectable versions of tacrolimus are used to prevent complications in patients receiving organ transplants. When a patient receives a new organ via transplant, the body’s immune system responds to the new organ as it would to the presence of unwanted bacteria or viruses, by attacking the foreign substance. Tacrolimus works to prevent this response by inhibiting white blood cells that may otherwise cause debilitating damage to the new organ.
Tacrolimus Interactions:
Oral and injectable versions of tacrolimus are more likely to interact with other medications than topical tacrolimus. However, potential interactions with topical tacrolimus cannot be ruled out.
Tacrolimus may interact with the following:
- Aminoglycosides
- Amphotericin B
- Antifungal agents
- Bromocriptine
- Calcium channel blockers
- Chloramphenicol
- Cimetidine
- Cisplatin
- Cyclosporine
- Danazol
- Ethinyl estradiol
- Gastrointestinal prokinetic agents
- Macrolide antibiotics
- Methylprednisolone
- Lansoprazole
- Magnesium-aluminum-hydroxide
- Nefazodone
- Omeprazole
- Protease inhibitors
- Live vaccines
Tacrolimus may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medicines, vitamins, supplements or topical agents before undergoing treatment with tacrolimus.
Tacrolimus Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Tacrolimus is administered in the form of an oral capsule and an injection for those using the medication to prevent organ transplant complications. Patients usually receive a daily dosage determined according to their individual body weight. Patients undergoing treatment with an injectable version of tacrolimus are normally transferred to oral therapy as soon as possible. Patients taking the oral capsules typically take two doses of the medication per day.
Tacrolimus is administered in the form of a topical agent for those using the medication to treat skin conditions. Patients normally apply the medication to the affected area of skin twice a day. The smallest amount of medication needed to treat the condition should be used.
Missing a Dose of Tacrolimus
Patients should take tacrolimus exactly as prescribed. If you forget to take a dose of oral tacrolimus, contact your doctor for instructions. If you forget to apply a dose of topical tacrolimus, do so as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not apply a double dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Tacrolimus Overdose
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have taken or applied too much of this medication.
Topical tacrolimus medications are intended for use on the skin only. Patients should not apply tacrolimus in excess and should never ingest the topical medication. If the medication is accidentally ingested, patients should seek immediate medical attention.
Tacrolimus FDA Approval:
April 8, 1994
Tacrolimus Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Black Box Warning
Tacrolimus medications carry a black box warning informing consumers and health care professionals that the medications may increase a patient's risk of developing infections, as well as lymphoma, skin cancer and other types of cancer.
Other Warnings
Oral and injectable tacrolimus medications may cause other serious complications, such as toxicity to the kidneys and the nervous system, as well as diabetes. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before beginning treatment.
Recalls
In 2006, Spectrum Laboratory Products, Inc. voluntarily recalled certain lots of tacrolimus because the medications may have been below standard potency requirements.
Sources:
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601117.html
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a602020.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601851
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601817
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ArchiveRecalls/2006/ucm111984.htm
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