Tacrolimus

Question 1

Tacrolimus indications

Answer 1

Transplant

Question 2

MHRA tacrolimus

Answer 2

SAME BRAND

Question 3

Tacrolimus cautions

Answer 3

UV light
Increased risk of infections
QT PROLONGATION
Malignancies

Question 4

FOOD INTERACTION WITH TACROLIMUS

Answer 4

Pomegranate juice and pomelo greatly increase the concentration of tacrolimus

Question 5

Tacrolimus side effects

Answer 5

Tremor
Alopecia
Cardiovascular (HTN)
Renal insufficiency
Oncological (skin cancer)
Lipids (hyperlipidaemia)
Insulin-depednent diabes
Magnesium wastage
Uric acid elevation
Seizures

Question 6

Tacrolimus monitoring

Answer 6

Monitor whole blood tacrolimus trough concs (especially during diarrhoea episodes)

BP
ECG
fasting Blood glucose
Haematological
Neurological
Electrolytes
Hepatic
Renal

Question 7

Tacrolimus in preg and breast feeding

Answer 7

AVOID - unless benefits outweigh risks.

Crosses placenta and risks premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction and hyperkalemia

Question 8

Tacrolimus key counselling

Answer 8

Avoid excessive exposure to UV light - use SPF
May affect driving
Do not have live vaccines
Avoid high potassium diet and grapefruit juice
Stick to the same brand