Prograf (Tacrolimus) is the brand name for Tacrolimus immediate release formulation. Prograf is an immunosuppressant that is used concomitantly with adrenal corticosteroids to prevent or treat rejection of your transplanted organ. Your body’s immune system is your defence system. Immunity is the way your body protects itself from infections and other foreign material. When you receive a transplant, your immune system recognizes the transplanted organ as foreign and will try to reject it. Prograf is an anti-rejection drug that helps your body accept your transplanted organ(s). Prograf may be taken with or without food. But it is best to be consistent. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew the Prograf capsule.

Manufacturer Information

Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Prograf Capsules from Canada and Turkey manufactured by Astellas Pharma. The generic Tacrolimus is available from India also called Vingraf by Emcure, Tacrograf by Biocon, and Pangraf by Panacea Biotec. We also carry the generic from Canada by a different manufacturer. Prograf and Tacrolimus are available in the strength of 0.5 mg, 1mg, and 5 mg immediate release capsules.

The common side effects of Prograf may include anxiety, constipation, edema (swelling) of the legs and arms, insomnia, tremors (shaking), especially of the hands. Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Anemia (decreased red blood cells);
• Diabetes (high blood sugar);
• Electrolyte disturbance;
• Hypertension (high blood pressure);
• Infections of urinary tract;
• Infections of upper respiratory tract (sinus, nose, throat);
• Kidney problems;
• Leukopenia (decreased white blood cells);
• Liver problems

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.

Pregnancy should be avoided while taking Prograf because it may cause fetal abnormalities and malformations. Breast-feeding is not recommended while taking Prograf. Prograf may cause new onset diabetes in kidney transplant patients. Do not take Prograf if you are hypersensitive to tacrolimus or to any of the ingredients in the formulation, including castor oil, are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, are breastfeeding. Before taking Prograf, inform your doctor if you are getting any vaccinations or immunizations, have taken Prograf, FK506 or tacrolimus before and had a bad, unusual or allergic reaction, have heart problems, have a rare hereditary disease of galactose intolerance. Tell your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about all the medicines you take, including drugs prescribed by other doctors, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements, or alternative medicines. In particular, you should tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken medicines such as antacids, antiarythmic: amiodarone, antifungals: clotrimazole, fluconazole, anticonvulsants: phenytoin, anti-infectives: rifampin, calcineurin inhibitor: sirolimus, cytomegalovirus (CMV) antivirals: letermovir, calcium channel blockers: diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil, gastrointestinal prokinetic agents: cisapride, macrolide antibiotics: erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin, other drugs: bromocriptine, chloramphenicol, cyclosporine, danazol, protease inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, potassium sparing diuretics. Prograf is not indicated for the use of rheumatoid arthritis in children younger than 18 years of age. Do not take Prograf with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

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