Prograph (Tacrolimus) – Comprehensive Product Description | Buy Prograph Online – EZ Chemist

Prograph (tacrolimus) is an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ transplant rejection. It works by inhibiting T-lymphocyte activation and suppressing the immune response, primarily in kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients.

Product Name:
Prograph

Active Ingredient:
Tacrolimus

Other Common Names:
Generic: Tacrolimus

Brand Names: Prograf, Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR, Advagraf (modified-release)

Alternative Names: FK506, Fujimycin

Drug Class: Calcineurin Inhibitor, Immunosuppressant

Drug Classification:
Therapeutic Class: Immunosuppressive Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Calcineurin Inhibitor

Legal Classification: Prescription-only (Rx)

ATC Code: L04AD02

Schedule: Non-controlled drug

Mechanism of Action – How Prograph Works:
Prograph (tacrolimus) binds to FKBP-12 (FK506 binding protein) in T-cells to form a complex that inhibits calcineurin, a phosphatase essential for the activation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT). By preventing calcineurin activation, Prograph blocks the transcription of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and other cytokines, thereby suppressing T-lymphocyte activation and reducing immune-mediated organ rejection.

Indications – What Is Prograph Used For?
FDA & EMA Approved Uses:
Prophylaxis of organ rejection in kidney, liver, and heart transplant recipients

Treatment of refractory rejection in transplant recipients resistant to other immunosuppressants

Maintenance immunosuppression in combination with corticosteroids and other agents (e.g., mycophenolate)

Available Formulations and Strengths:
Prograph Capsules: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 5 mg

Injection (IV formulation): 5 mg/mL in 1 mL ampoules

Extended-release formulations: Astagraf XL, Envarsus XR (not interchangeable with Prograph)

Note: Strengths and formulations may vary by manufacturer and country.

Dosage and Administration Guidelines:
Initial Oral Dosage (Adults):
Liver Transplant: 0.10–0.15 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses

Kidney Transplant: 0.15–0.20 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses

Heart Transplant: 0.075 mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses

IV Dosage (when oral not tolerated):
0.01–0.05 mg/kg/day as a continuous IV infusion

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM):

Target whole blood trough levels:

Early post-transplant: 10–20 ng/mL

Maintenance: 5–15 ng/mL

Monitor blood levels regularly to avoid toxicity and ensure efficacy.

Administration Tips:

Take consistently with or without food, but avoid high-fat meals

Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice (increases tacrolimus levels)

Common Side Effects:
System Adverse Effects
Neurologic Headache, tremor, insomnia, paresthesia
GI Diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain
Metabolic Hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, hypomagnesemia
Renal Elevated creatinine, nephrotoxicity
Cardiovascular Hypertension, QT prolongation
Other Increased infection risk, anemia, pruritus

Warnings and Precautions:
Nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity (dose-related)

Risk of infections (bacterial, viral, fungal – including CMV, BK virus, PML)

Risk of malignancies, especially lymphoma and skin cancer (limit sun exposure)

QT prolongation – use caution with other QT-prolonging drugs

New-onset diabetes post-transplant, especially in kidney recipients

Hepatotoxicity in rare cases

Drug Interactions:
Interacting Drug/Class Effect
CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin, grapefruit juice) ↑ Tacrolimus levels
CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, phenytoin, St. John’s Wort) ↓ Tacrolimus levels
NSAIDs, aminoglycosides ↑ Nephrotoxicity risk
Sirolimus Increased risk of thrombocytopenia, nephrotoxicity
Antifungals Need close monitoring (CYP3A interaction)

Use in Special Populations:
Pregnancy: Category C – Use only if clearly needed. May cause fetal toxicity

Lactation: Avoid breastfeeding – tacrolimus is excreted in human milk

Pediatrics: Safety and efficacy established in children >2 years (dose by weight)

Geriatrics: Monitor renal and hepatic function closely

Storage and Handling:
Store capsules at 15–30°C in a dry place

Protect from light and moisture

Do not open or crush capsules

Discard IV vials after single use

Why Buy Prograph from EZ Chemist Online?
100% genuine tacrolimus formulations

Available in multiple strengths

Affordable pricing with prescription-based delivery

Secure packaging and cold chain shipment if required

Authentic product from verified global suppliers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Prograph used for?
Prograph is used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients by suppressing the immune system.

Q2. Is Prograph the same as Prograf?
Yes, Prograph is another brand name for tacrolimus, the same active ingredient as in Prograf.

Q3. Can Prograph be taken with food?
Yes, but it should be taken consistently with or without food to maintain stable absorption.

Q4. How long do I need to take Prograph after transplant?
It is typically taken long-term as part of maintenance immunosuppression.

Q5. What tests are required during Prograph treatment?
Blood tacrolimus levels, kidney and liver function, electrolytes, and complete blood counts are regularly monitored.