Advagraf 3mg Capsule PR
Product Info
| Prescription required | Yes |
| Marketer | Astellas Pharma Inc |
| Active Ingredient | Tacrolimus (3mg) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C |
| Chemical Class | Macrolide Lactams |
| Habit Forming | No |
| Therapeutic Class | ANTI NEOPLASTICS |
| Action Class | Immunosuppressant- Calcineurin inhibitors |
| User Rating | 4.9 |
| User Reviews | 644 |
FAQ
Which vaccines should not be taken while taking Advagraf 3mg?
You should avoid taking any live vaccines (vaccines that use pathogens that are still alive, but are attenuated, that is, weakened) while taking Advagraf 3mg. These may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, BCG (TB vaccine), yellow fever, chicken pox and typhoid. You should also avoid taking polio drops (by mouth) or flu vaccine (through nose).
What should I tell my doctor before taking Advagraf 3mg?
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, have allergies, long-term infection, high blood sugar, or high blood pressure. You should also inform your doctor if you have high blood potassium levels or a weakened immune system. Tell your doctor if you have a history of any medication, have recently received, or are scheduled to receive a live vaccine.
What should I be aware of before I start taking Advagraf 3mg?
This medicine suppresses the immune system and hence there is always an increased risk of infection. Moreover, in some cases, Advagraf 3mg can increase the risk of some kind of cancer like skin and lymph gland cancer (lymphoma). It can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Consult your doctor before you start taking this medication and in case you notice any symptoms of infections like fever, sweats or chills, cough or flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, warm, red, or painful areas on your skin.
Who should not take Advagraf 3mg?
Patients who are allergic to it or have a weak immune system, high blood pressure, and kidney failure should avoid Advagraf 3mg. This medicine should also be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and in people who plan to receive any live vaccines (e.g. MMR vaccine).
Is Advagraf 3mg an antibiotic?
Yes, Advagraf 3mg is a type of antibiotic which belongs to a group of medicines called macrolides. It is mostly used after organ transplantation. This medicine’s immune-suppressing property helps prevent organ rejection after kidney, heart, or liver transplant.
Does Advagraf 3mg have an abuse potential?
No, Advagraf 3mg does not have abuse potential and thus, is not a controlled substance. Controlled substances have potential for abuse so they need permission from authorities and doctors for use.
What if you forget to take Advagraf Capsule PR?
If you miss a dose of Advagraf 3mg, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Advagraf 3mg Capsule PR Reviews
Advagraf 3mg is used along with other medicines to prevent your body from rejecting a new organ (e.g., liver, kidney, or heart) after transplant. It does so by weakening your body’s immune system, so it does not attack the new organ. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants.
The amount of Advagraf 3mg you take and how often you take it depends on the type of transplant you have, your body weight, and what other medicines you are taking. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. You should take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take this medicine regularly to get the maximum benefit and keep taking it, even if you feel well. If you stop taking it, you may increase the chances of rejecting your transplanted organ.
Advagraf 3mg has many potential side effects. It can cause or worsen diabetes and kidney problems. These need urgent medical attention. Other common side effects include tremor, infections, high blood pressure, headache, and insomnia. If the side effects do not go away or get worse, tell your doctor. Advagraf 3mg lowers your immune system making you susceptible to catching more infections than usual.
Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Also let your doctor know what other medications you are taking, especially for infections, pain, and arthritis. These and others may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. You should limit your exposure to the sun and UV (ultraviolet) light while taking it because immunosuppressants could increase your risk of skin cancer.
Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. This medicine is not normally recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless it is clearly needed. Before and during treatment you will need frequent medical tests to monitor your progress, and your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
How Advagraf 3mg Capsule PR Works
Advagraf 3mg is an immunosuppressant. It works by suppressing your body’s immune response following the transplant of an organ (e.g., liver, kidney, heart). This helps your body to accept the new organ as if it were your own.
How to Use Advagraf 3mg Capsule PR
Use it as advised by your doctor or check the label for directions before use. Advagraf 3mg is to be taken empty stomach.
Benefits of Advagraf 3mg Capsule PR
- In Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients: Advagraf 3mg belongs to a group of medicines known as immunosuppressants. Organ rejection happens when your immune system treats the new organ as an invader and attacks it. This medicine weakens your immune response (which usually fights infection) and reduces the chance of your body attacking the transplanted organ. It is used in combination with other medicines to make it much more likely that your transplant operation will be successful. You should continue taking the medicine and should not stop it until your doctor says so.
Uses of Advagraf 3mg Capsule PR
- Prevention of organ rejection in transplant patients
Advagraf 3mg Capsule PR Side Effects
Safety Tips
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Advagraf 3mg.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Advagraf 3mg may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Advagraf 3mg is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Advagraf 3mg may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Liver
CAUTION
Advagraf 3mg should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Advagraf 3mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
CAUTION
Advagraf 3mg should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Advagraf 3mg may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Quick Tips
- Do not stop taking Advagraf 3mg without talking to your doctor first.
- Your doctor may monitor your kidney function regularly. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to help with your kidney function.
- It may take 3 to 4 months for the medication to work. Keep taking it as prescribed.
- Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to check the levels of blood cells in your blood. Inform your doctor if you experience unexplained bruising or bleeding, sore throat, mouth ulcers, fever, or general illness.
- Advagraf 3mg is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.
References
- Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 1305-309.
- Tacrolimus monohydrate. Camberley, Surrey: Sandoz Limited; 2010 [revised 27 Mar. 2017].
- Lake DF, Briggs AD, Akporiaye ET. Immunopharmacology. In: Katzung BG, Masters SB, Trevor AJ, editors. Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. 11th ed. New Delhi, India: Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited; 2009. p. 972.
- Tacrolimus. Princeton, New Jersey: Sandoz Inc; 2009.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. Tacrolimus.
- Tacrolimus [package Insert]. Karapakkam, Chennai: The Madras Pharmaceuticals; 2020.
- Burkhart C, Morrell D, Goldsmith L. Dermatological Pharmacology. In: Brunton LL, Chabner BA, Knollmann BC, editors. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2011. p. 1822.