Tacrolimus is a medication used to suppress the immune system to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. It works by preventing the body’s white blood cells from attacking the transplanted organ. It is sold under the brand names Prograf and Advagraf, and is also available as a generic medication. It is typically prescribed along with other immunosuppressant medications to reduce the risk of organ rejection. Tacrolimus may also be used in combination with other medications to treat autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Its use is associated with serious side effects such as increased risk of infection and cancer, as well as kidney and liver damage.
Tacrolimus is a medication used for two main purposes:
- Preventing organ rejection: It is primarily used along with other medications to prevent rejection of a kidney, heart, liver, or lung transplant. It works by weakening the body's immune system (immunosuppression) to help the body accept the new organ as if it were its own.
- Treating atopic dermatitis: Tacrolimus is also available as a topical ointment used to treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) in people who have not responded well to other treatments or for whom other treatments are not advisable. It suppresses inflammation in the skin.
Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor medication. Calcineurin is a protein phosphatase enzyme that regulates T-cell activation, which is a key part of the immune system's response. By inhibiting calcineurin, tacrolimus weakens the immune system and reduces its ability to attack the transplanted organ or cause inflammation in the skin.
Tacrolimus is available in two main forms:
- Capsule: Taken by mouth
- Ointment: Applied to the skin