Tacrolimus

Brand names: Prograf, Envarsus, Astagraf

A calcineurin inhibitor that quiets T cells, used for lupus nephritis and some other autoimmune conditions.

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Tacrolimus

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How it works · Disease-modifying medicine

Overactive immune cells

In conditions like RA and lupus, immune cells are overactive and keep sending inflammatory signals.

Lupus nephritis, myositis-related lung disease and some resistant inflammatory conditions.

It blocks calcineurin, a switch T cells need to turn on inflammatory genes.

Capsules taken twice a day at consistent times, with blood levels guiding the dose.

Tremor, high blood pressure, raised blood sugar, kidney strain, high potassium and higher infection risk.

Drug levels, kidney function, potassium, blood sugar and blood pressure.

Avoid grapefruit and check every new medicine for interactions. It can be used in pregnancy when needed.

At a glance

Class

Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants

Brand names

Prograf, Envarsus, Astagraf

Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR

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For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.