Generic Prograf

Prograf is a brand name for the generic drug tacromilus. This medication lowers your immune system in order to keep it from rejecting transplanted organs. Your immune system’s job is to fight against foreign invaders; unfortunately, a new organ often falls into that category. Medications such as Prograf can weaken your immune system so that it cannot fight against a much needed organ. It works in conjunction with other medications to prevent your body from rejecting a transplanted heart, liver, or kidney. It is also sometimes given to patients suffering from fistulizing Crohn’s disease, especially if other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Prograf is given as an injection, beginning immediately after your transplant takes place. It will be given continually through an IV until you are ready to take it in its pill form, which is then taken every twelve hours. Prograf should always be taken at the lowest effective dose.

Prograf can have side effects that you need to be aware of. You may experience swelling in your hands or feet, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, insomnia, or a rash or itching skin. Other more serious side effects include pain in your lower back or side, decreased, painful, or bloody urination, problems with vision, speech or coordination, shaking, headache, mood changes, seizures, confusion, numbness or tingling, paleness, easy bruising or bleeding, weakness, fever, chills, aching, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, increased heart beat, or shortness of breath. If you experience any of these, you should call your doctor.

In lowering your immune system, Prograf can make it easier for you to contract other illnesses that the body would normally fight against. You may find yourself bleeding more easily and for a longer time. You should try to avoid being around people who are sick or in crowds of people where you could pick up germs that you can’t fight against. Prograf may also have harmful effects on your kidneys and liver, so your doctor will probably monitor you regularly for these effects. Your blood pressure will be monitored, since Prograf can cause your blood pressure to increase, and your blood sugar will be monitored, since Prograf can cause diabetes.

One of the most serious side effects of Prograf is the increased risk for certain types of cancer, especially skin cancer and lymphoma. Be sure to tell your doctor immediately if you develop unusual skin changes, a change in the appearance or size of moles, growths or lumps, swollen glands, night sweats, weight loss, or signs of infection such as fever or sore throat.

Prograf belongs to pregnancy category C, which means that it is not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. You should discuss your treatment options with your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Prograf can pass into breast milk and may be bad for a nursing baby, so you should not breast feed while you are taking Prograf.