Question 1

What is Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule used for?

Accepted Answer

Systemic (oral/IV): prophylaxis of transplant rejection in kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas allografts, and treatment of allograft rejection resistant to other immunosuppressants. Topical ointment: second-line treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children (≥2 years) when conventional therapies are inadequate or contraindicated.

Question 2

How does Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule work?

Accepted Answer

Tacrolimus inhibits the first phase of T-lymphocyte activation.

Question 3

What pharmaceutical form is Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule available in?

Accepted Answer

Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule: kapsula, tvrda

Question 4

What are the side effects of Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule?

Accepted Answer

Topical (ointment): approximately one in two patients experience skin reactions. Very common: pruritus, burning, stinging at application site. Skin becomes more susceptible to infection — common: folliculitis, herpes simplex infection, erythema, paresthesias and dysesthesias (increased skin sensitivity, burning sensation). In some patients, concurrent alcohol consumption causes significant facial flushing. Systemic use: nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity (tremor, headache), hypertension, hyperkalemia

Question 5

Who should NOT take Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule?

Accepted Answer

Tacrolimus must not be combined with cyclosporine, and caution is required in patients who previously used cyclosporine.

Question 6

Does Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule interact with other medications?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol should not be consumed during tacrolimus therapy — it may increase drug release from prolonged-release capsules, raising blood concentration and altering pharmacokinetics. Concurrent alcohol with tacrolimus causes marked facial flushing in 5-7% of treated patients. Also critical interactions with CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) — increased tacrolimus levels, and inducers (rifampin, phenytoin) — decreased levels and rejection risk.

Question 7

What precautions should be taken with Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule?

Accepted Answer

Patients on tacrolimus should have periodic monitoring of blood parameters, urinalysis, vision, cardiac function (ECG, blood pressure), liver and kidney function, fasting glucose, potassium, hematology, and coagulation — these are routine. Diarrhea significantly affects tacrolimus blood levels — patients must inform the physician immediately. Topical users should avoid intense UV exposure (sun, sunlamps) during treatment.

Question 8

Who manufactures Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule?

Accepted Answer

Sandoz d.o.o., Maksimirska 120, Zagreb (HR)

Tacrocel 5 mg kapsule

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