Tacrolimus
Two tacrolimus products sit on this shelf, split by route and purpose: Prograf tablets prevent organ transplant rejection, while Protopic’s 0.03% tube addresses atopic dermatitis.
Key points
- PROGRAF carries a boxed warning for serious infections and malignancies that may lead to hospitalisation or death.
- Nephrotoxicity was reported in around 52% of kidney transplant patients treated with PROGRAF, due to its effect on the blood vessels of the kidney.
- PROGRAF is not interchangeable with extended-release tacrolimus products; switching between the two requires physician supervision.
Two products, two jobs
Prograf (0.5 mg, 1 mg, 5 mg tablets) is the oral calcineurin inhibitor a transplant team prescribes to stop the immune system attacking a new kidney. Protopic (0.03% tube, listed under Skin Care) is a separate formulation for the skin. The safety data above, including the boxed warning and the nephrotoxicity figure, applies to the oral transplant product.
Further reading
FAQ
What tacrolimus products are available?
On Direct Meds, tacrolimus comes as Protopic and Prograf. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
Which brands contain tacrolimus?
In South Africa it is also sold as Talomune, Advagraf and Graftac. Names differ from country to country, so the active ingredient is the surest way to compare products.
How much does tacrolimus cost in South Africa?
Compare the price of each product, strength and pack above. Prices are set in US dollars and converted.
Payment and prices →Can I buy tacrolimus over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order tacrolimus. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver tacrolimus to South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →Last updated