Astagraf XL: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Astagraf XL contains tacrolimus, a prescription medicine used with other medicines to help prevent rejection of a transplanted organ, especially in people who have had a kidney transplant. What sets Astagraf XL apart is that the extended-release capsule, unlike other tacrolimus-containing preparations, is an immediate release.

Astagraf XL is a prescription medicine used with other medicines to help prevent organ rejection , especially kidney rejection in people who have received a kidney transplant .
Astagraf XL is an extended release capsule and unlike other tacrolimus immediate release capsules. Tacrolimus belongs to a group of drugs known as macrolide lactones or calcineurin inhibitors. Active substance with immunosuppressive activity similar to ciclosporin.

It is necessary to take Astagraf XL XL exactly as prescribed by your doctor. However, the doctor can change the dosage if necessary depending on the monitoring process. Patients should not stop taking or change the dose of Astagraf XL XL on their own without informing their doctor.
Take Astagraf XL capsules whole. Do not break, crush, chew or dissolve the capsule before swallowing. If it is not possible to swallow whole, the doctor should be informed to choose a more suitable form of the preparation.
Take Astagraf XL at the same time each morning, preferably on an empty stomach at least an hour before or at least two hours after a meal.
If a dose of Astagraf XL is missed, take it as soon as possible, but no later than 14 hours after your usual time of day. If a dose has been missed for more than 14 hours, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose should be taken the next morning at the usual time. Do not take two doses at the same time. If you take too much Astagraf XL, tell your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Astagraf XL can cause serious side effects, including:
Increased risk of cancer. People who take Astagraf XL have an increased risk of certain types of cancer, including cancer of the skin and lymph glands (lymphoma). Increased risk of infection. Astagraf XL is a medicine that affects the immune system. Astagraf XL may decrease the immune system's ability to fight infections. Serious infections can occur in people being treated with Astagraf XL and can lead to fatal outcomes. Therefore, tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of an infection such as muscle aches, fever or chills, a skin rash, or flu-like symptoms. Increased risk of death in women who have received a liver transplant. Astagraf XL should not be used If you have had a liver transplant. Causes high blood sugar. Your doctor may do some tests to monitor your blood sugar and check for diabetes during treatment. However, tell your doctor if you have frequent urination, bad breath, increased thirst or drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Causes kidney problems, even a transplanted kidney. These are classified as serious and common side effects of Astagraf XL. Your doctor may do certain tests to check your kidney function during treatment with Astagraf XL. Causes nervous system problems. Tell your doctor if you experience numbness and tingling sensations Increased blood potassium levels. Accordingly, electrolyte testing may be performed periodically to check potassium levels while taking Astagraf XL. Causes high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a serious and common side effect of Astagraf XL. At each follow-up visit the patient is monitored for blood pressure and may be instructed on how to check blood pressure at home.

Before taking Astagraf XL, tell your doctor if:
Plan to have any live vaccines. Have or are having liver, kidney or heart problems, or have any other medical condition. Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, as Astagraf XL can harm an unborn baby. If pregnancy is possible, the patient should be instructed to use highly effective methods of contraception before and during treatment with Astagraf XL. Furthermore, if a man has a female partner who can become pregnant, he should also use effective birth control before and during treatment. Are breast-feeding or planning to breastfeed. Astagraf XL passes into breast milk. The doctor will advise and decide if the patient can breastfeed while taking Astagraf XL. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, natural, herbal or nutritional supplements. Astagraf XL may affect the metabolism and effects of other drugs and other medicines that may affect the way Astagraf XL works. Besides, in the process of taking the drug, should avoid:

Live vaccines such as nasal flu, measles, mumps, rubella, oral polio, tuberculosis, yellow fever, chickenpox or typhoid vaccine. Direct exposure to sunlight and UV rays. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when outdoors. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Astagraf XL. Do not drink alcohol while taking Astagraf XL. In summary, Astagraf XL is an immunosuppressive drug for the prevention of kidney transplant rejection as well as in other organ transplant cases. The drug needs to be used for a long time and regularly every day to ensure the function of the transplant organ. Astagraf XL has a number of requirements that need to be followed before and during treatment, which helps to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the drug.
Therefore, before using or having any changes in the course of taking the drug, the patient must inform the doctor for appropriate indications.

Reference source: fda.gov - webmd.com