Warnings


What may interact with ASTAGRAF XL?


Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:


-astemizole
-certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
-cidofovir
-cisapride
-cyclosporine
-dronedarone
-droperidol
-grapefruit juice
-grepafloxacin
-live virus vaccines
-mesoridazine
-pimozide
-probucol
-ombitasvir; paritaprevir; ritonavir
-saquinavir
-thioridazine
-ziprasidone


This medicine may also interact with the following medications:


-alcohol and medicines that contain alcohol
-amiodarone
-bromocriptine
-certain antibiotics like aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol, clarithromycin, erythromycin, rifabutin, rifampin, troleandomycin
-certain antivirals for HIV or hepatitis
-certain calcium channel blockers like diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil
-certain medicines for fungal infections like amphotericin B, caspofungin, clotrimazole
-certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
-certain medicines for stomach problems like antacids, cimetidine, famotidine, lansoprazole, metoclopramide, omeprazole
-certain supplements that contain schisandra sphenanthera extracts
-cisplatin
-danazol
-diuretics
-ethinyl estradiol
-ganciclovir
-nefazodone
-other medicines that prolong the QT interval (an abnormal heart rhythm)
-sirolimus
-St. John''s wort
-steroid medicines like prednisone, cortisone, methylprednisone
-vaccines

What should I tell my health care provider before I take ASTAGRAF XL?


They need to know if you have any of these conditions:


-diabetes (high blood sugar)
-heart disease
-high blood pressure
-immune system problems
-infection
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-recent or upcoming vaccine
-an unusual or allergic reaction to tacrolimus, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using ASTAGRAF XL?



Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. You will need blood work done while you are taking this medicine. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. It is important not to miss any appointments.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your health care provider for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should use birth control before and during tacrolimus therapy. There is potential for serious harm to an unborn child. Talk to your health care provider for more information.

Males who get this medicine must use a condom during sex with females who can get pregnant. If you get a woman pregnant, there is potential for serious harm to an unborn child. Tell your health care provider right away if you think your partner might be pregnant.

Talk to your health care provider about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancers if you take this medicine.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

Avoid taking medicines that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your health care provider. These medicines may hide a fever.

Where should I keep my medicine?


Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.

To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:


-Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medicine, check the label or package insert to see if the medicine should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your health care provider. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medicine out of the container. Mix the medicine with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.