Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2022.
Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with tacrolimus extended-release or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death. Increased mortality in female liver transplant patients with tacrolimus extended-release; not approved for use in liver transplantation .Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with tacrolimus oral capsules, oral granules, or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death .
Oral route(Tablet, Extended Release)Increased risk for developing serious infections and malignancies with tacrolimus extended-release tablets or other immunosuppressants that may lead to hospitalization or death .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Astagraf XL
- Envarsus XR
- Hecoria
- Prograf
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Capsule
- Capsule, Extended Release
- Granule
Therapeutic Class: Immune Suppressant
Pharmacologic Class: Calcineurin Inhibitor
Uses for tacrolimus
Tacrolimus is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ (eg, kidney, liver, heart, or lung). Tacrolimus may be used with steroids, azathioprine, basiliximab, or mycophenolate mofetil. Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressive agents.
When a patient receives an organ transplant, the body's white blood cells will try to get rid of (reject) the transplanted organ. Tacrolimus works by suppressing the immune system to prevent the white blood cells from trying to get rid of the transplanted organ.
Tacrolimus is a very strong medicine. It can cause side effects that can be very serious, such as kidney problems. It may also decrease the body's ability to fight infections. You and your doctor should talk about the benefits of tacrolimus as well as the risks of using it.
Tacrolimus is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using tacrolimus
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the
