Astellas Pharma Prograf

Description

Active Ingredient: The given medicine contains Tacrolimus as active ingredient. It is a calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressant agent mostly known as means of prophylaxis against cellular rejection after transplantation. This ingredient exhibits immunosuppressive properties in vivo and prevents the T-lymphocytes activation in response to stimulation of antigenic or mitogenic.

Indications: The given medicine is indicated for the prophylaxis of organ rejection, in people receiving allogeneic kidney transplant, liver transplants and heart transplant in combination with other immunosuppressant medicine. This medicine can be used with other medicines also. It prevents the prevents attack of the immune system on the new organ i.e. transplanted organ.

Action Mechanism: This given drug Prograf decreases the effectiveness of the body’s defense system i.e. immune system that helps the body to accept the new organ as if it were their own. The active ingredient in the medicine works by binding the immunophilin FK Binding Protein-12 to generate an immunosuppressive complex. It binds to a key regulatory kinase. This process stimulates the immune system and inhibit production of antibody.

Dosages: The medicine Prograf is composed as capsule.  This capsule is available as following:

• 0.5 mg: Take this drug every 12 hours with or without food. Take the medicine with food to avoid nausea or stomach upset
• 5 mg: This tablet must be taken every 12 hours exactly as directed by the doctor

Note: The given medicine should not be used without supervision of the doctor with experience in immunosuppressive therapy. This capsule should not be crushed or opened before consumption. Consumption of grapefruit is contraindicated with this medicine.

What is Prograf?

Prograf weakens the body’s immune system, to help and keep it from “rejecting” a transplanted organ such as a kidney. Organ rejection happens when the immune system treats the new organ as an invader and attacks it.

What is Prograf used for?

Prograf is a prescription medicine and is used together with other medicines to prevent the body from rejecting a heart, liver, or kidney transplant.

How to consume Prograf?

You may take Prograf with or without food, but take it the same way each time. Prograf injection is given until you are ready to take the capsule form of this medicine.

What is to be avoided while taking Prograf?

Grapefruit may interact with tacrolimus and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid the use of grapefruit products. Avoid drinking alcohol.

What happens in case of missed dosage?

Consume the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not consume two doses at one time.