Immunosuppressant (anti-rejection medicine)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Tacrolimus is a powerful medicine that calms down your immune system (your body's defense system) to stop it from attacking a transplanted organ. It works by blocking certain white blood cells so your body accepts the new organ instead of rejecting it.
Inhibits calcineurin phosphatase, blocking T-cell activation and proliferation by preventing dephosphorylation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), thereby suppressing cell-mediated rejection responses.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
Your transplant doctor will decide your exact dose based on your body weight and which organ was transplanted. Typically, you take it twice daily — morning and evening — on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2-3 hours after eating. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Take it at the same time every day without fail.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for it. Tell your doctor if you miss doses often.
This is a strictly prescription medicine — never buy it from roadside vendors or unregistered pharmacies, as fake versions can be life-threatening. You will need regular blood tests to check your drug levels, kidney function, and blood sugar, so keep all hospital appointments. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they also had a transplant — doses are personalised.
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they increase tacrolimus levels in your blood dangerously. Certain antibiotics like erythromycin and antifungals like ketoconazole (common in Nigeria) can increase tacrolimus to harmful levels — always tell your doctor about any medicine you are taking. Avoid alcohol as it can worsen liver and kidney strain.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Tacrolimus with your other drugs?
Tacrolimus is not safe during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby, and it passes into breast milk — women of childbearing age must use effective contraception and consult their transplant doctor before planning pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in cars or near windows. Keep it in its original packaging to protect from moisture. Always keep out of reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Tacrolimus?
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