INTRODUCTION

TACROCORD 0.5MG 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 immune suppressants to achieve maximum benefits.

Tacrolimus suppresses your body’s immune functions and enables your body to accept the transplanted organ. Take TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE regularly as instructed by your doctor. While undergoing therapy with TACROCORD 0.5MG 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 TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE, avoid exposing your skin towards direct sunlight. Wear protective loose-fitting clothes and apply sunscreen while going outdoors.

Before taking TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney or heart problems. Avoid consuming grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE as it may increase the risk of side effects. Do not take TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Both men and women taking TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE must use a suitable contraceptive method (such as condoms or oral contraceptive pills) to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE. The most common side effects of taking TACROCORD 0.5MG 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, oedema and increased infections. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects worsen.

USES OF TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE

• Prevents graft rejection following organ transplantation

HOW TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE WORKS

TACROCORD 0.5MG 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 TACROCORD 0.5MG 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 TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE without consulting your doctor.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE

• Increased blood sugar levels (diabetes)
• Increased potassium levels in the blood
• Feeling shaky or trembling
• Liver problems, kidney problems
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating
• Feeling anxious, confused, disoriented or depressed
• Pain in joints, limbs, back and feet, muscle spasms
• Signs of skin cancer (such as growth or lump on the skin, dark patches on the skin, flesh-coloured or scar-like lesions, scaly patches on sun-exposed areas)
• Increased frequency of opportunistic infections (including skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, stomach infections, oral infections, etc.)

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea or vomiting:

Try to take TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE with or just after meals. Stick to simple meals and avoid oil-rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if the nausea worsens.

Headache:

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.

Constipation:

Taking TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE with meals may reduce the chances of constipation. However, if you experience constipation, eat plenty of fiber-rich foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals. Drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly. Consult your doctor if this side effect bothers you.

PREGNANCY

TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE should be used in pregnant women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. Therefore, inform your doctor before taking it. Women of childbearing potential must use a suitable contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while undergoing therapy with TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE.

BREASTFEEDING

TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE may pass through breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended for use in breastfeeding woman. However, consult your doctor before taking it.

DRIVING AND USING MACHINES

Do not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines if you experience dizziness or sleepiness after taking TACROCORD 0.5MG CAPSULE.