Can tacrolimus damage kidneys?
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.
What should your tacrolimus level be after a kidney transplant?
The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines suggest that 5–15 ng/mL of TAC trough levels should be maintained during the first 2–4 months post-transplant and then reduced in stable KTRs to minimize toxicity, with a low quality of evidence [21].
What is tacrolimus in kidney transplant patients?
Tacrolimus gained FDA approval for use in liver transplantation in 1994 and, approximately 3 years later, was approved for the prevention of acute rejection in kidney transplantation. Over the last decade tacrolimus has become the calcineurin inhibitor of choice for the prevention of rejection in renal transplantation.
Why do transplant patients take tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus (Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Prograf) is used along with other medications to prevent rejection (attack of a transplanted organ by the immune system of a person receiving the organ) in people who have received a kidney transplant.
Is it safe to use tacrolimus after kidney transplant?
Similarly, the incidence of new-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT), a major side-effect of tacrolimus, can also be reduced by optimizing tacrolimus exposure. In this review, the authors summarize the safety profile of tacrolimus when optimizing mean tacrolimus exposure, tacrolimus exposure variability and tacrolimus C/D ratio.
Are there any side effects to taking tacrolimus?
Although side effects from tacrolimus are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: diarrhea. insomnia. loss of appetite. stomach pain. upset stomach. vomiting.
What are the side effects of kidney transplantation?
Kidney Transplantation Prograf (Group C) (N = 403) Cyclosporine (Group A) (N = 384) Cyclosporine (Group B) (N = 408) Diarrhea 25% 16% 13% Urinary Tract Infection 24% 28% 24% Anemia 17% 19% 17% Hypertension 13% 14% 12%
Can you take tacrolimus if you are pregnant?
Tacrolimus and pregnancy. Tacrolimus also passes into breast milk and may cause the same side effects in the baby that it does in the people taking it. Therefore, it may be necessary for you to stop breast-feeding during treatment.
