Tacrolimus IR Oral Capsules: Side Effects, Uses, and More - Healthline

Like most drugs, tacrolimus IR oral capsules may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that tacrolimus IR oral capsules may cause. These lists don't include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• your age
• other health conditions you have
• other medications you may be taking

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of tacrolimus IR oral capsules. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here's a short list of some of the mild side effects that tacrolimus IR oral capsules can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read tacrolimus IR oral capsules' prescribing information.

Mild side effects of tacrolimus IR oral capsules that have been reported include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from tacrolimus IR oral capsules can occur, but they aren't common. If you have serious side effects from tacrolimus IR oral capsules, call your doctor right away. However, if you think you're having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of tacrolimus IR oral capsules that have been reported include:

* For more information about this side effect, see the "Side effect focus" section below.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects tacrolimus IR oral capsules may cause.

Boxed warnings

Tacrolimus IR oral capsules have boxed warnings. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug's boxed warnings are described below.

Serious infections. Taking tacrolimus may increase your risk for serious infections. These may include bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. You may also have a risk for parasitic infections when taking tacrolimus.

If you have any symptoms of infections while taking tacrolimus, talk with your doctor right away. Symptoms will vary depending on the type of infection, but they may include:

• cough
• fatigue (lack of energy)
• fever or chills
• sweating
• muscle aches
• redness, warmth, or pain affecting your skin

Cancer. Tacrolimus may also cause certain types of cancer. These could include skin cancer and cancer of the lymphatic system called lymphoma. The risk of cancer with tacrolimus may increase with higher doses of the drug or treatment that lasts over a longer period of time.

What might help

Your doctor will ask you if you're having symptoms of infection while you're taking tacrolimus. But if you develop any symptoms, tell them right away.

Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan to lower your risk for infection. And they'll treat any infections you have, as needed.

If you have an increased risk for skin cancer with tacrolimus, your doctor will check your skin for any changes. Talk with your doctor about what to look for when watching your skin for cancer, too. Also, limit your time exposed to the sun and ultraviolet light. And be sure to wear protective clothing and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF).

Your doctor will balance the risks and benefits of tacrolimus treatment for you. They'll prescribe the most appropriate dose and for the length of time that's safe for you.

If you're concerned about any side effects with tacrolimus, talk with your doctor. Don't stop taking tacrolimus or any other medications without talking with your doctor. And don't change your dose without talking with your doctor first.

Nephrotoxicity

Tacrolimus may damage your kidneys, which is also called nephrotoxicity. Some people may have long-term kidney damage from tacrolimus.

Taking certain medications with tacrolimus may increase your risk for kidney damage. These medications include certain drugs used to treat HIV.

Toxicity symptoms from kidney damage may include:

• difficult or painful urination
• increased urges to urinate

What might help

During treatment with tacrolimus, your doctor will check your kidney function. If you develop kidney damage while you're taking tacrolimus, your doctor may lower your dose of the drug.

While you're taking tacrolimus, you should visit your doctor often and complete all needed tests to monitor your kidneys.

Neurotoxicity

Tacrolimus can also cause brain damage, which is also sometimes called neurotoxicity. Some conditions affecting your brain that tacrolimus may cause include:

Sometimes, people may develop brain damage if the level of tacrolimus in their blood is too high.

Toxicity symptoms from brain damage may include:

What might help

Your doctor will monitor you for changes in your mental status and neurological health.

If you develop any brain problems with tacrolimus, your doctor may lower your dose of the drug. In some situations, your doctor may have you stop taking tacrolimus.

Your doctor will also check the level of tacrolimus in your blood. If your levels are above the desired range, your doctor may lower your dose of the drug.

If you feel that tacrolimus is affecting your brain, don't stop taking it without first talking with your doctor. And do not adjust your dose without asking your doctor.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to tacrolimus IR oral capsules.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• hives
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Additionally, some people with an allergy to tacrolimus may develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is a life threatening condition that affects your ability to breathe.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to tacrolimus IR oral capsules. But if you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.