Let's take a minute to talk about your medication. 

This is tacrolimus. You may hear it called by the brand name 'Prograf'. This medicine is used to help prevent organ rejection after transplant. It may have other uses, too.  

Tacrolimus is often taken every 12 hours. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is important to take every dose the same way -- either always with food or always without food.  You should not eat or drink anything that contains grapefruit.  

Many people will have side effects. It is important to read the Patient Information sheet to learn which symptoms to watch for. For example, tacrolimus can lower your ability to fight infections. You should tell your transplant team right away if you have symptoms of an infection. Other common side effects include a headache, weakness, and either diarrhea or constipation. You could also have tremors, trouble sleeping, or changes to the hands or feet, like numbness, tingling or swelling. You should always tell your transplant team if you notice these or other side effects. They will help manage them. Your transplant team will also check your blood pressure and your blood sugar to make sure they do not become high. They will also order blood tests to make sure this medicine stays effective and safe.  

In rare cases, tacrolimus could also cause certain cancers, like lymphoma and skin cancer. You should wear sunscreen and protect your skin from the sun. 

This medicine can have drug interactions. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines, and before getting vaccines. 

Women should check with their doctors before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding, because this medicine may be harmful to the baby.

For best results with tacrolimus, you should plan ahead for refills, and try to not miss any doses.