USES: Tacrolimus is used with other medications to prevent rejection of a kidney, heart, or liver transplant. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new organ as if it were your own.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to treat a certain type of bowel condition (fistulizing Crohn's disease) in patients who cannot take or have not been successfully treated by the usual treatment.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 12 hours or as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea or an upset stomach, you may take this drug with food, although this may cause your body to absorb less of the drug. However, you must choose one way (with food or without food) and always take this medication the same way so that your body always absorbs the same amount of drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Dosage is based on your weight, medical condition, blood test results (e.g., tacrolimus trough levels), and response to therapy.Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. Also, do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the amount of medicine in your body at a constant level. Remember to take it at the same times each day.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.Shaking, headache, diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, upset stomach, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, or tingling of the hands/feet may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, seizures, dizziness, change in the amount of urine, tiredness/weakness, fast/pounding heartbeat, hearing problems (e.g., hearing loss, ringing in the ears), pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs, easy bruising/bleeding, muscle pain/cramp, yellowing skin/eyes, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, swelling ankles/feet.Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat, vision changes, chest/jaw/left arm pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds.Tacrolimus may cause your blood pressure to increase. You may be required to check your blood pressure periodically and/or take another medication to control your blood pressure.Tacrolimus may cause diabetes. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of the following symptoms of high blood sugar: increased thirst/hunger, frequent urination.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.