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

This is Zortress. It helps to prevent organ rejection in people who have had a transplant. Zortress is often used with other medications. It may have other uses, too. 

It is often taken two times each day with 12 hours in between doses. You should take it exactly how your doctor tells you to. You should take your dose either always with food or always without food. You should take it with a full glass of water and swallow the tablet whole. Never crush or chew it. 

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a headache, upset stomach, and swelling of the hands and feet. Some people will also have a fever, increased risk of urinary tract infections, and high blood pressure. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor says it's okay. 

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With Zortress, this includes an increased risk of serious infection and cancers. It can also cause blood clots and kidney problems. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and will order blood tests.  

Zortress can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines or getting vaccines. Also, you should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice.  

Zortress can harm unborn babies. Women must talk to their doctors about which birth control to use and for how long. Women should check with their doctors before breastfeeding. 

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