Tacrolimus (Oral, Injection)

Tacrolimus is one of several medications that is used to help the body accept donated organs. This medication is either injected or taken orally in order to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant. This stops the immune system from attacking the foreign organ.

Side Effects/Warnings

The injectable version of this medication should only be used by patients who cannot take the oral medication. Both versions of the medication should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor who is familiar with transplants and transplant medication.

Since this medication suppresses the immune system’s ability to function, patients who are on it are highly susceptible to illnesses and infections. Patients should seek medical help if they have flu-like or cold-like symptoms while on this medication to make sure that a serious infection doesn’t develop.

Taking this medication can also increase the risk of cancer, especially lymphoma.