INTRODUCTION
AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE contains Tacrolimus which belongs to the group of medicines called Immunosuppressants. It is used to prevent graft rejection in patients undergoing organ transplantation. It can also be used to treat an ongoing graft rejection of the newly transplanted organ. It is mostly used in combination with other immunosuppressants to achieve maximum benefits.
Tacrolimus suppresses your body’s immune functions and enables your body to accept the transplanted organ. Take AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE regularly as instructed by your doctor. While undergoing therapy with AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE your doctor will periodically monitor your heart functions and nerve functions to avoid the risk of side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe you blood tests and urine tests at regular intervals to access the improvement in your health conditions. During treatment with AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE, avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight. Wear protective loose-fitting clothes and apply sunscreen while going outdoors.
Before taking AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems. Avoid consuming grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Do not take AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both men and women taking AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE must use a suitable contraceptive method (such as condoms or oral contraceptive pills) to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE.
The most common side effects of taking AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE are an increase in blood sugar levels, increased blood cholesterol levels, difficulty in falling asleep, increased blood potassium levels, high blood pressure, headache, dizziness, indigestion, edema, and increased infections. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects worsen.
USES OF AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE
Prevents graft rejection following organ transplantation
HOW THE AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE WORKS
AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE is an immunosuppressive agent. It works by blocking the release of certain chemicals in the body (such as T-cells) that triggers the immune response. It suppresses your body’s immune functions and enables your body to accept the transplanted organ. As a result, it prevents the risk of graft rejection and increases the survival of the newly transplanted organ.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Take AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE 1 hour before meals or 2-3 hours after meals or as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending on your age, body weight, and disease condition. Do not stop taking AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE without consulting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS OF AMIGRAF 0.5 CAPSULE
- Increased blood sugar levels (diabetes)
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased potassium levels in the blood
- Difficulty in falling asleep
- Feeling shaky or trembling
- Headache, dizziness
- Liver problems, kidney problems
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating
- Mouth ulcers
- Low RBC and platelet count
- Edema (swelling of body parts)
- Increased blood cholesterol levels
- Feeling anxious, confused, disoriented, or depressed
- Fits, tingling, and numbness of hands and feet
- Eye sensitivity towards the light, ringing sound in the ears
- Abnormal or faster heartbeat
- Skin rash and itching, acne, hair loss
- Increased sweating
- Pain in joints, limbs, back and feet, muscle spasms
- Weight gain
- Increased acidity in the blood
FAQs
Q1 Is Amigraf 0.5 Capsule an antibiotic?
Yes, Amigraf 0.5 Capsule is a type of antibiotic which belongs to a group of medicines called macrolides. It is mostly used after organ transplantation. This medicine’s immune-suppressing property helps prevent organ rejection after a kidney, heart, or liver transplant.
Q2 Which vaccines should not be taken while taking Amigraf 0.5 Capsule?
You should avoid taking any live vaccines (vaccines that use pathogens that are still alive but are attenuated, that is, weakened) while taking Amigraf 0.5 Capsule. These may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, BCG (TB vaccine), yellow fever, chicken pox, and typhoid. You should also avoid taking polio drops (by mouth) or flu vaccine (through the nose).
Q3 Who should not take Amigraf 0.5 Capsule?
Patients who are allergic to it or have a weak immune system, high blood pressure, and kidney failure should avoid Amigraf 0.5 Capsule. This medicine should also be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and in people who plan to receive any live vaccines (e.g. MMR vaccine).
