What is Tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus is the active ingredient which makes up Prograf, responsible for its therapeutic effects. This medication is considered an immunosuppressive drug and is commonly used together with other drugs. Prograf (tacrolimus) is available as an oral capsule in 3 strengths; 0.5, 1, and 5 mg, accessible only with a valid prescription.
What is Tacrolimus used for?
Tacrolimus is given to patients who have recently undergone an organ transplant, such as a kidney transplant. Sometimes, following a transplant, the body will not recognize the organ and will consider it a foreign object, instructing the immune system to attack the new organ; this can result in damage to organ which can lead to transplant failure (death of the organ). Using tacrolimus can reduce this risk, which is highest during the first week to 3 months following the transplant.
What is Prograf level?
Prograf level is a measurement of how much tacrolimus is detected in your blood. Your doctor will test your Prograf levels throughout the duration of treatment (frequently at first, then periodically for maintenance). It is essential for drug monitoring when taking tacrolimus because the therapeutic range is very narrow; this means if the levels are too low, you may still risk transplant failure; if levels are too high, you may increase the risk of associated toxicity (including damage to the kidneys and nerves). It is important to monitor your Prograf level throughout treatment to ensure the concentration levels stay at a safe (non-toxic) and therapeutically effective level. Higher levels are often ideal immediately after the transplant, commonly around 5.0ng/mL and 15.0ng/mL; for maintenance, Prograf levels should be maintained below 20ng/mL.
What causes Prograf levels to drop?
A variety of drugs can cause Prograf levels to decrease; such as calcium channel blockers, antifungal drugs, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), protease inhibitors, and more. Your Prograf levels will slowly begin to drop after 2 – 3 hours of administration. For more information on Prograf levels, consult your health care professional.
What causes Prograf levels to increase?
Certain factors such as genetic variability, acute infections, liver dysfunction, and interacting medications (such as calcium channel blockers, antifungal drugs, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), protease inhibitors, and more) can all cause an elevated concentration of Prograf. For more information on Prograf levels, consult your health care professional.
What is the generic name for Prograf?
The generic name for Prograf is named after the active ingredient; tacrolimus. We carry both the brand and the generic form at My Drug Center for as low as $0.93 per capsule, available with a valid prescription.
Who makes Prograf?
The brand-name medication Prograf is manufactured by Astellas Pharma, a Japanese multinational pharmaceutical company. Prograf was first put on the market in 1994, nearly 30 years ago. Today, Prograf is still available the brand as well as a generic, made by many different generic manufacturing companies around the world.
How much does Prograf cost?
In the United States, the brand-name medication is commonly very expensive. You may find the generic alternative for slightly cheaper, however, even the generic can be considered pricey for some. The average retail price for 90 generic (tacrolimus) capsules (0.5mg) is more than double the cost for the same supply at My Drug Center; we carry tacrolimus capsules for as little as $89.00 for a supply of 90 (0.5mg) capsules. All you need is a valid prescription to order.