Tacrolimus suspension is an oral prescription medication, commonly found as granules mixed with water to create a liquid. It is part of a class of drugs designed to modify the body’s immune system. This medication is prescribed to be taken by mouth, following specific instructions from a healthcare professional.
Why Tacrolimus Suspension is Prescribed
Tacrolimus suspension functions as an immunosuppressant, meaning it reduces the activity of the body’s immune system. It is primarily prescribed to prevent organ rejection in individuals who have undergone an organ transplant, such as a kidney, liver, heart, or lung. The immune system naturally identifies transplanted organs as foreign, potentially launching an attack to reject them.
By decreasing the immune system’s activity, tacrolimus helps the body accept the new organ. This acceptance is important for the long-term success of the transplant. Without such medication, the body’s natural defense mechanisms would likely view the transplanted organ as a threat, leading to its rejection. The medication helps the new organ function while minimizing the risk of the body harming itself.
This medication is often used in combination with other drugs to achieve the desired level of immunosuppression. The goal is to adequately suppress the immune response to prevent rejection without excessively compromising the body’s ability to fight off infections. The specific combination and dosage are carefully determined by a healthcare provider based on the individual patient’s needs and the type of organ transplant.
How to Use Tacrolimus Suspension
Tacrolimus suspension often comes as granules that need to be mixed with water. It is advised to use a glass or metal cup for mixing and to take the prepared mixture immediately after preparation, as it should not be saved for later use.
To prepare the dose, the contents of each packet of granules are typically mixed with 15 to 30 milliliters (approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons) of room temperature water. After drinking the initial mixture, it is recommended to add the same amount of water to the cup, mix again, and drink it to ensure the entire dose has been consumed. It is also advised to shake the bottle well before measuring each dose if it comes in liquid form.
Tacrolimus suspension should be taken at the same time every day, usually 12 hours apart, to maintain a steady level of the medicine in the body. Whether taken with or without food, consistency is important, as food intake can affect how much of the medication is absorbed. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose; in that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule.
After handling the medication, wash hands thoroughly. The oral syringe used for measuring doses should be rinsed and allowed to air dry, and the same syringe should be used consistently for tacrolimus. Proper storage of the medication, as directed by the pharmacist, is important to maintain its stability and effectiveness.
Important Information While Taking Tacrolimus Suspension
Patients taking tacrolimus suspension require regular monitoring due to potential side effects and to maintain optimal drug levels. Blood tests are frequently performed to check tacrolimus levels, ensuring the dosage is appropriate and effective without causing toxicity. These tests also monitor kidney and liver function, as tacrolimus can affect these organs.
Common side effects can include agitation or trouble sleeping, while more serious issues involve an increased risk of infections. Because tacrolimus reduces the immune system’s ability to fight off pathogens, patients may be more susceptible to serious, potentially life-threatening infections. Symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, or other signs of a cold or flu should prompt immediate contact with a healthcare provider.
Drug interactions are a significant concern with tacrolimus. Patients should avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as these can increase tacrolimus levels in the blood, potentially leading to more side effects. Other fruits like pomelos and tangelos, which are hybrids of grapefruit, should also be avoided. Certain medications can also interact with tacrolimus, so it is important to inform healthcare providers about all other medicines, supplements, and herbal products being used.
Lifestyle considerations also play a role. Tacrolimus can increase sensitivity to the sun, making sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen, advisable. Patients are often advised to avoid contact with individuals who are sick to minimize infection risk. Additionally, tacrolimus can cause birth defects, so women who can become pregnant should use effective birth control before and during therapy, and men taking the medication should use condoms during sex with females who can get pregnant.