my tacrolimus. small changes to your oral tacrolimus medication can make a big difference

Tacrolimus belongs to a group of medicines called immunosuppressants.

Following your organ transplant (e.g. liver, kidney), your body’s immune system will try to reject the new organ.

Tacrolimus is used to control your body’s immune response. This will enable you to accept the transplanted organ.

There are now a number of different formulations of tacrolimus.

The different formulations of tacrolimus essentially do the same job. However, they do have small, but important differences. For example, some formulations are designed to be taken twice a day, others are designed to be taken once a day.

This means that switching between the different formulations of tacrolimus without the knowledge and support of a transplant specialist could significantly change the levels of tacrolimus in your body.

This could affect your overall well-being, and the health of your transplanted organ.

It is important to make sure that you receive exactly the same formulation of tacrolimus as specified by your specialist transplant team, every time you collect your prescription from your GP and pharmacist.

Make sure you are confident about the specific formulation of tacrolimus you should receive.

You may have been given a treatment identification card to help you remember. It will have the name of your tacrolimus written on it.

If you receive a different formulation of tacrolimus to the one you normally take, contact your transplant unit straight away.

Contact your transplant unit straight away if:

• The appearance of the tacrolimus capsules is not the same as usual
• The dosage instructions on the packet are different

If you have a treatment identification card, you could use this to help explain which formulation you believe you should be taking.

If not, you may find it helpful to write down the name of your tacrolimus as a reminder. Your transplant unit contact details may also come in useful.

Make my own formulation reminder

You should not take any medicine you do not recognise. Contact your transplant unit immediately to ensure you get the correct medication.

General

NHS Choices
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Kidney-transplant/

Kidney

National Kidney Federation
http://www.kidney.org.uk

Renal Patient View
https://www.renalpatientview.org

Kidney Patient Guide
http://www.kidneypatientguide.org.uk

Liver

British Liver Trust
http://www.britishlivertrust.org.uk

Astellas Ltd. is not responsible for the nature, content and availability of external websites which can be accessed through the above links.

There are lots of things you can do. Your transplant team will be able to advise you on how to take good care of your health and your transplant.

A healthy diet and regular exercise

Simple changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference.

A healthy diet should contain plenty of vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, nuts and beans. It should also be low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, added sugar, and cholesterol.

Regular exercise can also help you live a healthy life. It will help you maintain a weight that is right for you. It can also help prevent bone disease (osteoporosis).

It is easier than you think! Many activities count as exercise. Walking, swimming, riding a bicycle, yoga or even housework will help to get you moving.

Your doctor and transplant team will be able to help you develop a safe exercise plan.

Safe food handling

You may be at an increased risk of food-related illness.

You can minimise your risk by ensuring foods (particularly meat and fish) are stored and prepared appropriately and hygienically. If you like milk, cheese or fruit juices, make sure they are pasteurised.

Minimal sun exposure

Transplant recipients taking tacrolimus have an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

To minimise your risk, make sure you always use a sun screen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. This should be used on all exposed areas of skin. It is also important to wear sunglasses, a broad-rimmed hat, and protective clothing.

Your doctor will examine your skin during your annual check-up or will refer you to a dermatologist.