Tacrolimus: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan
Tacrolimus is an immune-modulating medicine (calcineurin inhibitor). It is a prescription medicine used for eczema (ointment) and prevention of organ transplant rejection (capsules). In Pakistan it is available as capsules, ointment and tablets, made by 8 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.
How Tacrolimus works
Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor. It blocks the activation of T-cells, a type of immune cell that drives inflammation in eczema and attacks a transplanted organ. Applied to the skin it acts mainly where it is used, while capsules suppress the immune system throughout the body.
What is Tacrolimus used for?
- Eczema (ointment) and prevention of organ transplant rejection (capsules)
Tacrolimus ointment is used for moderate to severe atopic eczema that has not responded well to other treatments, and is useful on delicate areas such as the face and neck where steroids are best limited. Tacrolimus capsules and injections are a different, specialist treatment used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted kidney, liver, heart or other organ.
Side effects of Tacrolimus
Side effects of Tacrolimus depend a lot on the form used. Common ones include:
- Burning, warmth or itching where the ointment is applied
- Facial flushing after alcohol (ointment)
- Tremor (capsules)
- Raised blood sugar or blood pressure (capsules)
- Headache
Contact your doctor promptly about fever, chills, sore throat or other signs of infection, reduced urine, or new lumps or skin changes. With capsules, get urgent help for fits, confusion or changes in vision.
Precautions and warnings
- With the ointment, avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds, and do not apply it to infected skin.
- Capsules need regular blood tests to check tacrolimus levels, kidney function and blood sugar, and brands should not be switched without specialist advice.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice with capsules, and tell your doctor about all other medicines, as many can change tacrolimus levels.
- Taking it by mouth raises the risk of infections and some skin cancers, so protect your skin from the sun and report any changes.
- Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with your specialist before use.
Frequently asked questions about Tacrolimus
What is the price of Tacrolimus in Pakistan?
At Medimart, Tacrolimus products currently in stock range from Rs 104 to Rs 10,335 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Crolimus 0.3% Ont at Rs 104. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.Which brands of Tacrolimus are available in Pakistan?
Tacrolimus is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Eczemus (Brookes Pharmaceutical Labs (Pak) Ltd), Inograf (Platinum Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Tacgraf (CCL Pharmaceutical), Tacrus (Maxitech Pharma), Crolimus (Valor Pharmaceuticals), Tacogen (All Med Ltd) and Romlus (Crystolite Pharmaceutical).Do I need a prescription for Tacrolimus?
Yes. Tacrolimus is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.
Can Tacrolimus be used during pregnancy?
Discuss pregnancy and breastfeeding with your specialist before use.
Are all Tacrolimus brands the same?
Brands that contain the same amount of Tacrolimus in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.
Tacrolimus brands and prices in Pakistan
Medimart lists 11 products containing Tacrolimus from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.
