Protopic (other name Prograf)

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

diabetes

heart disease or heart failure

high blood pressure

mmune system problems

nfection

kidney disease

liver disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. If you take the medicine with food, always take it with food. Do not take the medicine with grapefruit juice. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. You must take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

astemizole

cidofovir

cisapride

cyclosporine

droperidol

grepafloxacin

pimozide

probucol

ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

alcohol and medicines that contain alcohol

aminoglycosides

amphotericin B

antacids

bromocriptine

calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, and verapamil

carbamazepine

caspofungin

protease inhibitors

chloramphenicol

cimetidine

cisplatin

clarithromycin

danazol

diuretics

erythromycin

ethinyl estradiol

ganciclovir

medicines for fungal infections like clotrimazole, fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, and voriconazole

metoclopramide

omeprazole

phenobarbital

phenytoin

rifabutin

rifampin

sirolimus

St. John's wort

steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

troleandomycin

vaccines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You will need frequent blood checks.
If you get a cold or other infection while receiving this medicine, call your doctor or health care professional. Do not treat yourself. The medicine may decrease your body's ability to fight infections.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

burning or tingling in the hands or feet

changes in vision

chest pain

difficulty breathing, wheezing

fever, chills or any other sign of infection

frequent urination

ncreased thirst or hunger

pain or difficulty passing urine

redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

seizures

swelling of the feet or legs, unusual or sudden weight gain

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusually weak or tired

yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

confusion

constipation

diarrhea

difficulty sleeping

headache

nausea

tremor

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.