It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for patients who cannot tolerate or do not respond to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It is also used to treat lupus nephritis, an inflammation of the kidney that is caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
In rheumatoid arthritis, Tacrolimus suppresses your immune system and prevents it from attacking your joints and causing inflammation. This helps to reduce symptoms of joint swelling, pain and stiffness. In the long term, it also reduces joint deformity and bone erosion from the inflammatory condition.
In lupus nephritis, Tacrolimus suppresses your immune system and prevents it from attacking your kidney. This helps to reduce kidney damage and leakage of proteins in your urine (proteinuria).
This medication may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Common side effects include:
Most of these side effects will get better or go away as your body gets used to the medication.Inform your doctor if the side effects above become severe and bothersome.
Rare but serious side effects include:
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
Avoid taking grapefruit and pomelo when you are taking this medicine as grapefruit may interact with your medicine and increase the risk of side-effects.
Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking other medications as they may interact with Tacrolimus.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
Use all the capsules within 1 year of opening the aluminium wrapping. For suspension, do not use the suspension if passed the expiry stated on the bottle.
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